Oil and oil filters

As with any engine, one of the keys to long life is regular oil changes and the DeLorean is no exception.

Except in extreme climates, we recommend conventional Castrol 20W50 motor oil, and specifically DO NOT recommend the use of any synthetic oils in the PRV engine.

Oil should be changed, with a new filter and sealing washer every 3,000 miles or a minimum of once a year. If you are on a once-a-year schedule, it is best to change the oil in the fall (before the long winter "nap") to remove the old oil and the solids that it contains. This will avoid having the solids settling to the bottom of the pan over the storage period, and removes stray moisture and acids from the engine.

The oil filter (Part # 102114B) is a spin-on type with an anti-drainback valve. The original equipment Purflux-branded filter is no longer available in the US.

The drain plug is in the front of the cast aluminum sump. The drain plug has a somewhat rare 8MM square that requires a special socket (Part # 111104) to remove. Every time the plug is removed, the crushable washer behind it must be changed. Failure to do this will allow oil to leak from the drain. Every time. This crush washer (Part # 102101) is included with the filter that we sell.

The specified oil capacity of a DeLorean engine, including filter, is approximately 6.75 quarts (6.4 liters), but in reality it takes a bit more to be at a good level on the dipstick. The best way to fill the engine is to install 7 quarts of oil. Then run the engine for a few minutes, turn it off, and recheck the oil level after a minute or so to allow it to drain back into the sump. Generally, 7 quarts will put it in the mid-range (between the two marks) and 7.5 will get it to the top mark.

Oil is added by detaching the PCV hose (Part# 101062 figure 6 above), then removing the oil filler cap (Part# 102415 figure 8 above) on the driver's side valve cover. Look inside and carefully inspect the oil filler screen before adding oil. The DeLorean’s original oil filler screen was made of a plastic material that in many cases hasn't withstood the test of time. After 40+ years of use, owners will often find these parts discolored, warped, brittle, broken, or missing altogether. This can lead to accidental introductions of hardware or other debris into the engine. The improved reproduction oil filler screen (Part# 102420SS figure 10 above) is CNC machined from 304 stainless steel and is easily installed.

Additionally, check the condition of the o-ring (Part# 102415A figure 23 above) on the oil filler cap in addition to ALL the rubber hoses in the vicinity and replace as required. Wipe up any oil drips and securely replace the oil filler.

Written by Warren Wallingford, DeLorean Motor Company (Texas)

Updated 6/6/2016 DAS [details, links]

Updated 9/15/2016 revised fill recommendation.

Revised 1/13/2022 ET (formatting and links)

Updated 5/22/2025 HCC (formatting and links)

Updated 9/15/2026 JE (content and link)

Article ID: 8, Created: 9/13/2010 at 9:25 AM, Modified: 9/17/2026 at 1:47 PM

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