Volvo Penta Oil Capacity Guide

Why Fresh Engine Oil Matters for Your Volvo Penta

Changing the engine oil in your Volvo Penta is one of the most important maintenance tasks to ensure long lasting performance and reliability. Clean oil keeps the engine's internal components properly lubricated, reduces friction, and helps remove contaminants created during operation.

Over time, engine oil breaks down due to heat, pressure, and moistuture, especially in marine environments. Regular oil changes protect against corrosion, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the lifespand of your Volvo Penta inboard or sterndrive engine.

Shop All Volvo Penta Engine Oil Here

Why Choose OEM Volvo Penta Engine Oil?

Volvo Penta engine oil is specifically formualted to meet the exact demands of Volvo marine engines, providing protection that exceeds standard marine industry requirements. Each oil blend is engineered to handle the unique challenges of boat engines, including sustained high RPM, heavy loads, and long periods of idling.

Using Genuine Volvo penta engine oil helps ensure proper lubrication and cooling throughout the crankcase system, protecting against wear, corrosion, and deposit buildup. This results in smoother performance, a longer engine life, and reduced maintenance issues over time.

There are 3 types of marine oil you can buy. They come in a sort of good, better, and better lineup. Check out our breakdown of each oil type below.

Grade Oil Type Highlights
Good Mineral/Conventional Cheapest option, breaks down faster requiring more frequent oil changes
Better Semi-Synthetic Better cold-start protection, resists breakdown, balances cost and performance
Best Full Synthetic Maximum protection, higher upfront cost but longer lasting

Proper Volvo Penta Engine Oil Maintenance Schedule

Initial Break In Service 

For new engines it is recommended to change the oil and filter after the first ~20 hours of run time. This removes any contaminants or metal particles from the break in process.

Every 100 Hours of Annually

Perform an oil and filter change every 100 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first. This interval helps maintain lubrication quality and engine efficiency.

End of Season Oil Change

Before winterizing or long term storage, it is recommended to change your engine oil. Old oil can hold acids, contaminants, and moisture that can accumulate during use. Letting these sit in your system can lead to internal corrosion and costly repairs down the line.

Volvo Penta Oil Change Tip:

Warm up your engine before draining your oil, this helps contaminants flow out more easily and ensures for a cleaner oil change.

Volvo Penta Oil Change Kits

Sierra offers aftermarkety Volvo Penta oil change kits that make routine maintenance quick and foolproof. These kits typically include the correct amount of oil and other accessories for a complete oil change.

Volvo Penta Oil Capacity Chart

Please note that the capacities listed below are approximations and it is recommended to check your service manual for engine specific information.

Click here to download the Volvo Penta Oil Capacity Chart Below

Model Cyl Year Crankcase Capacity L Crankcase Capacity Qt Oil Change Kit Recommended Engine Oil
230 A/B 4 1989-1993 4.5 L 4.75 Qt   Volvo Penta 10W40 Synthetic Marine Oil 21681794
250 A/B 4 1989-1993 4.5 L 4.75 Qt  
251A 4 1989-1992 4.5 L 4.75 Qt  
3.0L   1993-Current 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ100   1961-1963 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ110   1963-1966 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ115 A/B   1969-1975 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ120 A/B   1966-1980 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ125 A/B   1981-1985 4.2 L 4.5 QT  
AQ130 A/B/C/D   1968-1977 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ131 A/B/C/D   1985-1989 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ140A   1975-1979 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ145 A/B   1979-1985 4.2 L 4.5 Qt  
AQ151 A/B/C   1985-1989 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ170 A/B/C   1969-1980 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ171 A/C   1986-1989 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ60F   1962-1968 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
AQ90   1962-1964 3.8 L 4.0 Qt  
AQ95 /A   1964-1966 3.8 L 4.0 Qt   Volvo Penta 10W40 Synthetic Marine Oil 21681794
BB100   1963-1969 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
BB115 A/B/C   1969-1977 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
BB140A   1975-1979 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
BB145A   1979-1985 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
BB165A   1965-1969 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
BB170 A/B/C   1969-1978 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
BB30   1963-1969 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
MB10A   1971-1977 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual  
MB20 A/B/C   1969-1980 See Owners Manual See Owners Manual
4.3L V6 1993-2006 4.2 L 4.5 Qt Volvo 4.3L-8.1L Oil Change Kit 18-9225 SAE30 4-Stroke Synthetic Marine Oil
4.3L V6 2007-Current 4.7 L 5.0 Qt
430 A/B V6 1990-1992 4.2 L 4.5 Qt   Volvo Penta 10W40 Synthetic Marine Oil 21681794
431 A/B V6 1989-1992 4.2 L 4.5 Qt  
432 A/B V6 1992-1998 4.2 L 4.5 Qt  
434 A/B V6 1992-1997 4.2 L 4.5 Qt  
AQ175A V6 1981-1985 6.0 L 6.5 Qt  
AQ205A V6 1988-1989 6.0 L 6.5 Qt  
5.0L (Ford) V6 1993-1999 5.7 L 6.0 Qt Volvo 4.3L-8.1L Oil Change Kit 18-9225 SAE30 4-Stroke Synthetic Marine Oil
5.0L (GM) V8 1997-2006 5.7 L 6.0 Qt
5.0L (GM) V8 2007-Current 5.2 L 5.5 Qt
5.7L V8 1993-2006 5.7 L 6.0 Qt
5.7L V8 2007-Current 5.2 L 5.5 Qt
5.8L V8 1993-1996 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  
500 A/B V8 1989-1993 5.7 L 6.0 Qt   Volvo Penta 10W40 Synthetic Marine Oil 21681794
501 A/B V8 1989-1993 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  
570 A/MS4A V8 1989-1993 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  
571A V8 1989-1992 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  
572A V8 1991-1993 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  
7.4L V8 1993-2000 6.6 L 7.0 Qt Volvo 4.3L-8.1L Oil Change Kit 18-9225 Synthetic SAE 30
740 A/B V8 1992-1993 6.6 L 7.0 Qt   10W-40 FC-W
8.1L V8 1999-2006 8.0 L 8.5 Qt Volvo 4.3L-8.1L Oil Change Kit 18-9225 Synthetic SAE 30
8.1L V8 2007-Current 8.0 L 8.5 Qt Synthetic SAE 30
8.2L V8 1993-2000 6.6 L 7.0 Qt   Synthetic SAE 30
AQ190A V8 1976-1977 4.0 L 4.2 Qt   Volvo Penta 10W40 Synthetic Marine Oil 21681794
AQ211A V8 1986-1989 4.0 L 4.2 Qt  
AQ225 B/C/D/E/F V8 1973-1976 4.4 L 4.7 Qt  
AQ231A V8 1986-1989 4.4 L 4.7 Qt  
AQ231B V8 1987-1989 4.4 L 4.7 Qt  
AQ240A V8 1976-1977 4.4 L 4.7 Qt  
AQ255 A/B V8 1977-1978 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  
AQ260 A/B V8 1979-1986 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  
AQ271 A/B/C/D V8 1986-1989 5.4 L 5.7 Qt  
AQ280A V8 1978-1979 5.4 L 5.7 Qt  
AQ290A V8 1979-1985 5.4 L 5.7 Qt  
AQ311 A/B V8 1986-1987 5.4 L 5.7 Qt  
BB225 A/B/C V8 1973-1977 4.4 L 4.7 Qt  
BB231A V8 1987 4.4 L 4.7 Qt  
BB260 A/B/C V8 1978-1987 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  
BB261A V8 1988-1989 5.7 L 6.0 Qt  

Volvo Penta Crankcase Oil FAQs

► What oil type does my Volvo Penta use?

Most gasoline sterndrives use Volvo Penta 25W-40 Synthetic Blend, while diesel engines use Volvo Penta VDS-4.5 15W-40. Always confirm your model’s specific requirements.

► How often should I change the oil?

Every 100 hours or once a year, and after the first 20–50 hours for new engines.

► Can I use automotive oil in my Volvo Penta engine?

No. Automotive oils are not formulated for marine conditions and lack the corrosion protection required for marine applications.

► What happens if I overfill the crankcase?

Overfilling can cause foaming, poor lubrication, and increased crankcase pressure. Always fill to the dipstick’s recommended level.

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