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Old 04-12-2021, 09:21 PM   #1
Pix3L8
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Default subaru OEM oil vs parts store oil

alright guys I have a question, I've seen and read that you should use the Subaru OEM oil OR ELSE (insert unhappy boxer sounds), but is it necessary? I recently put a new short block in my forester and I am still using traditional 5w30 for the first few oil changes but I've contemplated going whole hog and ordering a box of the Subaru OEM secret sauce for the car when its time for my next oil change. I will also add that I use the Subie OEM filters no matter what but the oil I'm skeptical on. thoughts??
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Old 04-13-2021, 07:06 AM   #2
Jack
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1: Any oil that meets the specifications found in the owners manual or maintenance and warranty manual is absolutely fine.

2: Subaru sells oil? I have never seen Subaru oil. I've owned Subarus since 2000.
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Old 04-13-2021, 07:12 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pix3L8 View Post
I've contemplated going whole hog and ordering a box of the Subaru OEM secret sauce
Their secret sauce is whatever oil manufacturer they've contracted to put their label on, and then they sell it for twice what they paid.
If that manufacturer doesn't work out they switch to a different one, so you really don't ever know who makes Subaru oil.

(Remember how 20 years ago their was no such thing as any car manufacturers oil? And now literally all of them have their own oil? Yeah, one guy thought of it in 1999 and gave a presentation in an office somewhere about what revenue could be generated by doing almost nothing and they all jumped on that cash cow. It's just regular oil)
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Old 04-13-2021, 09:25 AM   #4
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As Jack mentioned. I only use Mobil1 on my Subaru's for many many years. No issue.
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Old 04-13-2021, 09:30 AM   #5
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have had great luck with motorcraft, will be trying amsoil in my car soon as my other cars do great with it!
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Old 04-13-2021, 10:03 AM   #6
Norm Peterson
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I've used the "Subaru oil" once out of five oil changes so far.

The other four times, I used a full-synthetic Valvoline oil that carries GM's latest Dexos spec for gasoline engines. Part of that oil's formulation is intended to reduce the likelihood of Low Speed Pre Ignition. That's the oil that went into the WRX just a couple of days ago.


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Old 04-13-2021, 11:47 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rtv900 View Post
Their secret sauce is whatever oil manufacturer they've contracted to put their label on, and then they sell it for twice what they paid.
If that manufacturer doesn't work out they switch to a different one, so you really don't ever know who makes Subaru oil.

(Remember how 20 years ago their was no such thing as any car manufacturers oil? And now literally all of them have their own oil? Yeah, one guy thought of it in 1999 and gave a presentation in an office somewhere about what revenue could be generated by doing almost nothing and they all jumped on that cash cow. It's just regular oil)
Well, they've been with Idemitsu for a very long time. A rep was even here yesterday. I wish I would have seen this conversation before. I HAD heard that the Idemitsu stuff was formulated for Subaru(whatever that means) and would have been nice to clarify. Also the Subaru oil filter was, at one time(dunno if it is still) made by Fram; but, was also constructed differently than the "Subaru" filter you'd get at a parts store. I thought I even saw a video of someone cutting one open to compare YEARS ago. I dunno. I was MOBIL 1 until Subaru had their own. Price really isn't that different, and since I am here at the dealership, no special trip to another location.


edit: Oh. That is in no way meant to say the "Subaru" oil has to be used. The mechanics I trust say, get whatever brand and change at proper intervals

Last edited by JustyWRC; 04-13-2021 at 12:02 PM. Reason: clarification
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Old 04-13-2021, 04:40 PM   #8
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Take your pick, as long as it meets OEM requirements for your car. Check the owners manual.
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Old 04-13-2021, 05:40 PM   #9
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Thanks for the feedback! I figured using Idemitsu or mobile 1 or whatever is about the same because as pointed out the oil is rated to a standard, but just wanted to double check. I've been running cheaper STP traditional just because I've been changing the oil several times for the engine break-in period. I have heard good things about mobile 1 full synthetic so I may check that out next oil change. I wanted to let the rings seat properly before I went to a good synthetic.

side note: it's amazing to pull my dip stick now with the new motor and the oil level hasn't changed. I don't miss burning oil like a 2 stroke.
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Old 04-13-2021, 10:02 PM   #10
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FYI, I had read some where recently that Costco Oil is made by the same company that makes oil for one of the biggest oil manufacturers. I tried to find the link but no luck, search the interwebs and you might find the same info.
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Old 04-13-2021, 10:42 PM   #11
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Oil change intervals are more important than what oil brand is on the bottle, but what do I know.
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Old 04-13-2021, 11:21 PM   #12
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Use MJs secret stuff out of the bottle you'll be GTG
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Old 04-14-2021, 06:46 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pix3L8 View Post
! I figured using Idemitsu or mobile 1 or whatever is about the same
^All the "what oil should I use" threads and who among us seriously thought we'd ever hear someone contrast Idemitsu and Mobile 1

I'm not even sure how to pronounce that
ha
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Old 04-14-2021, 08:05 AM   #14
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Subaru oil is made by Idemitsu.
I worked at a dealer 8-1/2 years. In all that time they NEVER stocked "Subaru" oil. Always some generic blend and a full synthetic in bulk - didn't even have a brand name. Only oil related failures I saw was lack of oil or sludge clogs from failure to maintain.
Personally I will not use Mobile One, Quaker State, or any "reclaimed" oils but anything that meets spec will work - it's all about regular oil and filter changes and maintaining proper oil level.
In 40 plus years turning wrenches for a living I've used Castrol for my gassers and Rotella for my diesels.
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Old 04-14-2021, 12:28 PM   #15
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The dealer I worked at used Pennzoil. Bought it by the drum. Made recycling easier, since we could move used oil around in the empty drums.

Personally I just use Royal Purple.
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Old 04-15-2021, 08:47 AM   #16
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I was a Mobil One user for decades. Changed to Castrol due to oil consumption issues with M1. I am now a Castrol Syn user. My cars seem to like it more.
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Old 04-15-2021, 10:35 AM   #17
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Personally I use whatever is on sale at walmart in the wifes WRX, but 0w-40 and not 5w-30.

but that might start a fight.
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Old 04-29-2021, 10:28 PM   #18
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I don't care about brand. I use full synthetic 5w-30, and change it every 6,000 miles. That's more than necessary for basic maintenance.

Also note: If you want to switch to synthetic, no need to do a "flush" or purchase those "engine cleaning" products.
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Old 04-30-2021, 06:55 AM   #19
Norm Peterson
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Waddlz View Post
Personally I use whatever is on sale at walmart in the wifes WRX, but 0w-40 and not 5w-30.

but that might start a fight.
If you need the 0-weight for your climate, that's one thing. But I'm a whole lot less sure about oils that almost certainly have to contain higher proportions of VI improver being the right way to go for full-length oil change intervals. For a track day or two and some driving in between, sure.


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Old 04-30-2021, 07:48 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Norm Peterson View Post
If you need the 0-weight for your climate, that's one thing. But I'm a whole lot less sure about oils that almost certainly have to contain higher proportions of VI improver being the right way to go for full-length oil change intervals. For a track day or two and some driving in between, sure.


Norm
^correct here

People think these modern day viscosities are magic or something. When there's a spread of 40 between cold and hot viscosity that's because there's all kinds of crap in there to make it happen. The best oil is straight weight if climate suits that, which is half the country.
If I lived in Florida I'd be running straight 30 weight.

Otherwise the closer the numbers as climate permits.
Very few people actually need a zero cold viscosity oil or a 40 hot
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Old 04-30-2021, 08:02 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rtv900 View Post
^All the "what oil should I use" threads and who among us seriously thought we'd ever hear someone contrast Idemitsu and Mobile 1

I'm not even sure how to pronounce that
ha
Eye-Dee-Mitt-Sue
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Old 04-30-2021, 08:24 AM   #22
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My 2c, go Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, but it's kind of hard to get ahold of. If you want to make an objective decision, do some reading on Bobistheoilguy forums
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Old 04-30-2021, 09:15 AM   #23
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If you want to make an objective decision, do some reading on Bobistheoilguy forums
true, a forum couldn't possibly contain misinformation
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Old 04-30-2021, 09:50 AM   #24
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true, a forum couldn't possibly contain misinformation


What? NEVER
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Old 04-30-2021, 10:20 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack View Post
1: Any oil that meets the specifications found in the owners manual or maintenance and warranty manual is absolutely fine.

2: Subaru sells oil? I have never seen Subaru oil. I've owned Subarus since 2000.
Yes they have their own branded oil. It's been out since maybe 11'-12' give or take.
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