Building confidence and the satisfaction of doing repairs myself...that's EXACTLY why I come here. Thank you.

The Honest Outlaw of the Subaru world, thanks for sharing.

I’d bet u could run a solid mechanic business here in the Pacific Northwest with all the Subaru’s we have here..

Just wanted to say, "Thank you". 😊 Like most people, I'm not as wealthy as I'd like to be; so, I try to stretch every dollar I can. Your videos give me the knowledge I need to confidently do as much DIY work as possible. And, there is no doubt that this has helped me save quite a lot of money. Thank you for your generosity in taking the time and effort in making such well thought out videos. And, doing so in a manner that anyone can understand. You are very much appreciated. - God bless.

Thank you for persistence... I enjoy watching. Seeing details that have come from years of experience and hard work is worth the time to watch.

Great video man. Please keep em coming. I really appreciate it. You cover the small things others don't and thats huge in my books. Stay safe and stay healthy. ✌🏽

Yes, they still use 5w-30 on the Subaru engines up until recently anyway. (I live in Japan). I just changed my oil today on my Impreza. If I were to guess I would say that the reason is that the Vast majority of driving is very light. 5 minutes to the market, 10 minutes to work, and if it's any longer then it's because it's in heavy stop and go traffic. Also traffic often barely exceeds 60km/h. The need seems to be for a heavier oil because of the driving conditions.

Hi Subaru family.... Let me tell of my experiences with changing the oil viscosity. Running a 2014 Forester and I followed the manufactures oil recommendation of 0-20 until the warranty millage was reached. During that time I would be a quart low at about 2500 miles. I changed to 5-30 since then and the oil consumption is a bit more that 1/2 quart in 5,000 miles. And that is when I change my oil. Works for me (March 2020)

I ran 5W30 Kendall GT-1 Maxx synthetic oil in my "17 Crosstrek. It worked wonderfully, and quieted the engine down noticeably. For my 2020 Forester I will run 5W30, as well, when my three free oil changes are done.

Excellent video - thank you! I am learning a lot from watching your channel. I am a new first time Subaru owner. I just took delivery of a new 2020 Outback. I drove home from the dealership and drained the factory fill at 32 miles. Refilled with Royal Purple Break-in oil and changed the drain plug to a Gold Plug magnetic version (AP-10). Ran the break-in oil for 500 miles, drained it out switched to the Subaru black Japanese made oil filter (15208AA160) and refilled with Toyota Synthetic 0W/20 (Hopefully this engine won't be an oil burner). I find the Toyota 0W/20 to be a stouter oil than the Subaru factory Idemitsu oil. The Toyota oil has a generous amount of ZDDP and Moly, which is crucial for control, as well as being a magnesium free formulation, which eliminates concerns about corrosive-wear damage to metal parts. The area of slight concern with the Subaru Idemitsu oil is it has a bit of a high Noack value of 14%. Another oil that actually has more Moly and Zinc than the Idemitsu with slightly lower Noack is Eneos 0W/20 Synthetic Racing Street Oil. Here are the virgin oil numbers I received from Blackstone: Zepro 0W/20 Eco Medalist Advanced Moly oil - Moly:668 / Zinc:804 / Boron:264 / Noack:14% / TBN: 9% Eneos 0W/20 Synthetic Racing Street Oil - Moly:835 / Zinc:811 / Boron:358 / Noack:12% / TBN:6.8% Toyota 0W/20 (ExxonMobil Special Blend) - Moly:656 / Zinc:753 / Boron:173 / Noack:11% /TBN:10.2% I use the Enoes oil (5K OCI), with seemly good results, in a 2019 Nissan Titan XD with the gas 5.6L V8 engine. This engine is direct injected (possible deposits) and is generally known be tough on oil - it has a lot of gears and it's camshafts are driven by two chains (chain stretch is of concern), one for each head plus the timing chain that transmits the rotational movement from crankshaft to the both intake and exhaust camshafts. I like the Toyota oil because it competes well with solid Moly and Zinc numbers and a very strong TBN , which supports the Toyota recommendation of a 10K OCI - even though I do 5k OCI's. Very low Noack oils like Amsoil Signature are excellent oil but lack much Moly and Zinc --- and it seems all Japanese engine manufactures always use high Moly and Zinc oils.

I remember an old episode of Motorweek back in the 80's where Pat Goss had shown viewers how to "prime the oil system" after doing an oil change on a turbocharged Mitsubishi Starion by cranking the engine after disconnecting & grounding the coil wire from the distributor cap.

Another great video. Thanks for putting these together. My crosstrek has 180,000 and still running strong

I tried the the floorboard start on my 2016 Legacy 3.6R like you told me. It worked like a charm! Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

Great videos! Great educational value! My first Subie, 78 Brat. My newest, 18 Outback. How far they have come, but I still miss that Brat... by far the funnest vehicle to drive that I've ever owned.

Thanks matey, I was one of those who asked about flood starting an EJ Turbo (Bug eye WRX)

Your not crazy, you actually care about your engine. If people did some searching they would find that cars with expensive engines. Had pre oiling systems, how many engine oil ads have it listed that majority of wear is on start up. Keep the good work up and videos

About to buy my first Subuwu, trying to learn everything I can, thanks Mr Subaru engineer guy.

Excellent job, clear, concise, and good video quality.

Great job Mr. Subaru, you’re the best.

Thanks for an informative video as always. There are a lot of bits and pieces of best practice that we learn from experienced mechs like yourself. These do not exist in any technical manuals.

My subaru impreza 2007 has already 243069 miles and still runs like a dream

I would definitely trust you to work on my car

Getting my first Subaru in Feb. Always checked oil on my cars every 1K miles even sooner if on a long trip. I am beyond doing my own oil changes now. Plan to pay the dealer for that with my XT. Also going to ask for a quart of oil to have for topping off between changes. Should be an interesting chat. Ref pre filling the filter. The place I worked at back when I was 12 taught me to always prefill and then be sure you don't overfill the oil pan! Words to live by. Great information.

In Europe specificly Poland we have 5W30 in dealerships as default for these engines. My 2012 XV has MFD and i can see oil temperature there and its all proper. It also has a bit less of the oil consumption issue with this oil, tho if i take longer trips i have to top up more frequently. We also get japanese black filters. And the same 6 speed that VA WRX/2nd gen Crosstrek later got. Oil we get is Eneos, also a japanese brand.

I just changed the oil and filter on our 2017 Outback. I used your method to prime the oil filter; worked like a charm!

Thanks! I have had great success with Mobil 1 oil & filters on multiple cars and brands, including cars over 20 years old. However, your warning/advice on keeping potential warranty claims issues to a minimum using Subaru parts & fluids is a good one. I purchased a 2023 Forester and I hope there are no warranty issues, but better safe and sorry. Thanks!

Just did the engine, transmission, and rear diff oil on my '03 WRX. Mobil 1 5w-30 full synthetic, and Wix XP(which I chose thanks to your videos) filter for the engine, Redline MT-90 for the trans, and Redline 75w-90 for the rear diff at 141k miles. (Learned how to do the trans and diff oil from your videos) Car feels a million times better with shifting and it actually smoothed out the whole feel of the drivetrain. Thanks for another video!

I use 5w 40 in my 2014 wrx. Works great. Engine seems to like the thicker oil better.

Oil an filters on a Subaru is hot topic

Busy building a 1999 Legacy twin turbo and I will be doing the crank sensor trick to lube her up before the first start. Awesome video, keep it up!

I’ve been a Mobile 1 synthetic user for my 2006 Subaru Forester. After watching Mr. Subaru’s explanation for using the Subaru oil, that’s exactly what I will start using. Thank you.

Great video. I have my Subaru dealer do the oil changes on both my 2019 Outback 2.5 and my wife’s 2016 Legacy 2.5 mostly due to my laziness and the hassle of oil disposal. I do drive my Outback off road and over sand. I always keep a spare quart of oil in my tool kit in the back just in case. The parts Dept at my Subaru dealer told me that they don’t sell oil by the quart as they buy in bulk and to go to a parts store and buy Mobile 1 if I wanted a spare quart for the car. I’ve never had an oil consumption issue with any of our Subaru’s except once. Prior to my 2019, I had a 2016 Outback 2.5 and once while driving over sand with my tires aired down to 15 psi, in 90 plus degree F weather, I noticed that I did drop a quart over a few hours of playing in the dunes. It was the only time that happened in 85K miles driven before trading in for my 2019. I have taken my 2019 off road and over sand and not seen any consumption of oil issues. I always check my oil at every fill up and have it changed every 4K-5K miles. Subaru’s are amazing vehicles. Thanks

Just throwing in my input on oil and Subaru. Mine is a 2016 Outback 3.6R. Love this car! Have always used 6.9 qts of Mobil 1 5/30 every 7000 to 8000 miles. Can use about 1/2 a quart between oil changes. I use the black Subaru filter. Now at 117,000, have changed the PCV, spark plugs, serpentine belt and tensioner. Pulls 26.5 mpg on the highway, 23.5 mpg around town. Runs great!

Love the videos my man! Liked the comment about why you use the Subaru engine oil great answer🤣🤣

Finishing up a batch of blue filters and then switching to WIX. Use 5w30 in cold weather and 10w30 in hot weather. PA 09 legacy 2.5

Also here in South Carolina. We noticed lots of consumption on our 2012 six cylinder Outback, so we switched from the factory- recommended 5W-30 to Mobil 1 15W-50 along with a Fram Ultra XG9968 and saw the consumption drop back to very minimal. Next car we buy new is going to get Amsoil's best Signature Series synthetic motor oil, and here is why. Our friend ran this Amsoil in his Subaru since new and now at nearly ten years later and over 200,000 miles, he is still using Amsoil 5W-30 sig series oil and their filter and 1 year oil changes with no consumption or leaks. It still runs like new. His is a 4 cylinder however, so is a bit different than our Outback. Using the factory Subaru brand oil is ok, but Subaru does not make their oil. And they are not motivated to sell you anything great since a great oil like Amsoil's best will keep your car running a super long time trouble-free, and you won't be back to buy a new one for a long time. Think about it!

Thanks for the tip on clear flood mode. Also, I didn't know about the anti drain back valve, but it makes perfect sense.

I have always put full synthetic in my 2008 Impreza, but I just buy whatever is cheapest. There are a few times conventional was put in when I couldn't do the change myself (a Subaru specialty shop in CO pretty much demanded I use conventional). I once used Annual Protection and went over 12k miles before changing (I regularly go over 7k). I have never put official Subaru Oil in my car. Over 200k miles and going strong.

Enjoy your videos! My 2015 CVT Forester usually doesn't consume any oil. But sometimes it does. Low friction rings combined with 0W-20 gets better gas mileage but the price you pay can be in oil consumption. If I drive like an old man (I am) it doesn't burn any oil. Low RPMs and light loads equals no oil consumption. But if I make a trip through the mountains (i.e. I-26 from NC to TN) I can use a pint in 400 miles. Higher RPMs and a load causes more blow-by. This is why, from my reading, manual trans versions of my car use more oil. This is due to RPMs being pushed higher than what would normally be the case with a CVT. At least these are my observations and I've tried many different oils (from Redline to Mobil 1). The best so far has been the Redline, but the Idemitsu is a close second and is what I'll be using in the future. One other thing. Beware the blue filters! I had one with a bad anti-drain back valve. I will only use the Tokyo Roki or Wix ones from now on. Thanks for the Ebay link for the filters. The last ones I got came from the UAE and with shipping cost nearly twice as much.

thanks for the help! my forester is gonna be so much happier.

To add a little fine print to your closing message, I watch these to become an educated consumer. I'm not in a position to do my own work on my recently-acquired 2009 Outback, but I want to learn because it's my first Subaru.

I changed the oil on my daughter's 2012 Impreza today. I has the clear flood mode and I used as recommended. I have to work through my stock of blue filters, but I will not be buying any more. I am using Pennzoil Ultra Platinum oil. There are a lot of You Tube test videos that show that it is great stuff. It appears to have reduced the amount of my oil burn to a quart every 5000 miles. I used to loose a quart more like every 3000 miles.

I'm currently on my second (Impreza, FB16) and third (Forester XT, EJ20) Subarus. The vast majority of Imprezas, Crosstreks (FB engines) and other models in Jamaica are from Asia and they all have the 0w-20 designation on the engine oil cap. As it relates to oil consumption, I had an issue for a while with the Impreza where, from a cold start, there would be smoke from the exhaust pipe. It was so bad I could smell the oil really strongly in the exhaust fumes. I assumed plug seals or valve stem seals were bad and avoided the issue for a while. The issue seems fixed since I replaced the PCV valve and switched to Idemitsu 5w-30. It's only been 1000km since I changed the PCV valve so I can't say definitively if the issue is rectified. Regarding oil brands and fuel economy, I have used Mobil 1, Idemitsu, Valvoline & Castrol in the FB16. I haven't noticed any major differences in fuel economy nor have I seen anything alarming when I cut open the oil filters.

that crank sensor idea for building oil pressure, will do that on each oil change from now on!

You are right, outside of North America, Subaru recommends 5W30. I use 5W30 in my 0W20 car as well. I am not sacrificing wear for fuel economy! Great video!

When I used to live in Miami I used 5W-30 Mobil 1 in my 2003 CRV but after moving to Port Jervis NY I switched to 5W-20 Mobil 1 which is the Honda recommended oil weight and I have noticed a little over 1 mpg improvement which is a nice plus...🔦

Great video man thanks good to know will be using oem oil on my 2019 5w-30

Professional mechanic here, 43+ years experience. I have never ever filled an oil filter, except on a new engine or rebuild. I've had multiple 200,000 miles plus cars, never a problem, waste of time IMO. BUT they were all lower mounted filters...

Awesome advice Thank-you for your time and effort

Man - this is quality stuff! Thank you for sharing...

18" XV runs on 5W-40 in South Africa. Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 and black Subaru oil filter (15208AA160) used by dealers. Clear flood mode cranking procedure works with keyless access. Step on the brake and full gas at the same time and press start. As soon as you release the gas the engine will start normally.

my friend is a mechanic and I constantly will refer to you when doing something on a Subaru to A prove him wrong about some Stuff, B I actually just like watching your videos! Thank you for all the great content

I had a Crosstrack (XV in Europe) and when I first changed oil it had 5W30. I put 0W20 and fuel consumption got better, almost 1,5 liter less per 100 km. But oil consumption increased to the point I got the oil level warning light switched on once. Now I don't have the car as I changed it for a 2011 2.5 CVT Outback but, although I always defend that manufacturer is who knows the engines best and its recommendations should be followed strictly, I think I would have come back to 5W30 due to the issues that can stem from oil consumption: spark plugs and, over all, catalytic converter and O2 sensor problems.

Great information, Thanks, love the videos..

Another great video! Thanks!

Own a 2007 Forester it blows my mind how well this EJ25 performs. Cam plugs on rear of engine were seeping oil used gray RTV no more seepage. Dealer said I needed a complete engine reseal funny how a mirror showed me they were wrong. The red rtv did not work but gray did

eBay NGK iridium spark plugs also a favourite for counterfeiting, well known about in the Honda world.

I enjoy your videos and certainly like doing my own general maintenance. How do you feel about the oil extraction through the dipstick port products?

Great Video! Oil and filters are one of those a topics on NASIOC where everyone has an opinion.😁

2002 Impreza 2.5TS with an EJ255, I was able to crank in 'Clear Flood' Mode.

Most car manuals still carry a temperature range with different suggestions on oil viscosity. In my experience, 0-20 works fine, accidentally put it in my 94 ej22 and the only problem was my oil leaked out quicker

Super Tech for me, Yep WalMart use to to a Castrol in my other cars. excellent explanation for the side mounted oil filter. always put in oil filter on my 66 Corvette

thank you for all the content.

I live in Houston where we get 100+F weather and i use 10w-30 full synthetic on my 08 Subaru outback 2.5l on standard transmission. I can tell you shifting gears feels really smooth with the higher viscosity and haven't had any issues.

Excellent video, thanks! I change it myself, using the Blue Filter and Kirkland 0-20w Oil every 6 months on both our vehicles - 2018 Crosstrek and 2020 Forester. Previously used Subaru Oil or Pennzoil Platinum. We’re Costco people, so it makes sense for us. Since both are under warranty, I just keep records (receipts for parts, etc) of my services in case it comes into question.

Good guy man keep the vids up

Great vid. How's all the Koken and KTC tools working? I ended up picking up most of the same stuff you got sans the wratchets as I got the 120xp gearwrench set which are dope. But sockets and whatnot are awesome. Like to see your long term update on a professional use experiences please.

Would love if you could do a video on the process to return the oil into a new filter. Sounds like it could be a problem if not done properly.

I always use a Wix oil filter basically because my mechanic always uses them - I could change it myself as it is an easy job but I have Him do when He does the annual inspection. For oil - He always puts the conventional 5W/30. The last time I was there - He explained all about the Oil Filters & the Oil. I have an '03 Outback & I don't drive it that much anymore so I just have Him change it once a year...

Ive always used castrol edge 5w40 in my 05 lgt and outback. Have not had any oiling problems on both 200k plus cars with proper maintenence and changing oil and filter around 3k every time.

As I note on the E46Fanatics forums for BMWs - use any good/high quality oil that meets all of the specs needed is FINE for any car.

Priming the oil system seems like a good idea to me. But I have a question. Why is it any different than just starting the car? The engine is turning over whether it is starting or not. So how does it help anything to have it not start? Not saying you are wrong. Just trying to understand. Thanks!

Hi Mr. Subaru. You should be able to change the triple meter display to show oil temp. I know that I was able to do it my 2015 Fozzie.

Another informative presentation. Just checked my owner's manual for my 2013 XV 2.0D and it clearly states 5W-30 maybe used. Even for petrol engines there is a clear statement that if Subaru oil is not available the following alternative oil can be used. 0W-20 (non turbo) recommended, 5w-30 or 5w-40 replenishment. I'll be using 5W-30 Shell Helix Ultra which is probably better than Subaru oil anyway. Just for info the diesel XV oil change and filter capacity is 5.9 litres (or 6.2 US qt). I should add that the Subaru owners manual does suggest Subaru oil should be used, but lets be honest, Subaru are a business and if they can encourage you to use their products well hey ho good luck.

In the middle east I use grade W10-50 for my 2015 xv ( Crosstrek) .. We reach 120.F tempt here in Kuwait .. July August ... In winter I switch to W10-40 .. hell with the fuel consumption .. the most important thing is the safety of the engin .. pic up your oil grade bassed on your ambient temperature from the viscosity chart .. and DONT argues with the chart.

Thanks for the good info 👍🏼

As for changing oil brand i think the reason is that its easier to top up especially if its FB20/25 with oil consumption issue. Being able to stop anywhere ans get motul or other brand at any local parts store is a benefit. Getting either jdm Fujimistu or these Eneos oils Subarus uses in dealerships here is europe, is quite challenging as they might not be sold anywhere and you can texactly order online to get it during a trip.

I would like to see an update as to how the VVT sensors reacted to the thicker oil viscosity.

First time I've seen a Subaru video from you. You sound like a very conscientious auto mechanic. Wish you were close to where I live to work on my Subaru.

Cool video thanks!

I used to work for Finning in the UK. I pulled one of the CAT oil filters apart that got damaged in the warehouse, to see what they were made like. All I can say is I wish everything man made was built like a CAT oil filter.

I know I’m kinda late on the comments however I have a question. I just picked up a 1995 Subaru Legacy Brighton wagon with a EJ22 (2.2) and I live in a colder climate in Alaska it gets pretty cold in the winter. Witch only should I use to make it the best it could be in the winter time? I use it for DoorDash deliveries and daily driving. Thank you in advance, keep up with the great content!

If oil pump IS primed then its good to fill filter. If oil pump us not primed (say after engine work or rebuild) then prime oil system w/a dry filter when following oil priming sequence to pressurize the oil system prior to first startup.

I use for for my Impreza 06 with EJ20 N/A engine Motul 0W40 A3/B4 and the engine runs quieter and rises faster in higher rpm compared to when i used 5W40 or 5W30,A3/B4, the oil required in Europe.

City driving in south Florida in the summer, lots of sitting in traffic I run 10w30 in my forester ej253 no problem with it,just want heavier oil for the higher temperatures

At one point I unknowingly bought a counterfeit engine air filter for my 17 WRX off Amazon, as soon as I got it I could tell it was off. Remember kids if it's too good to be true...

The section where you describe identifying counterfeit filters is great and all, but it doesn't seem to apply to the spin on transmission filters for the 4EAT. I picked one up for my Outback and installed it, then found this video and thought I had bought a fake one. I bought another from a different source and it was the same. Finally watched your video about the slow forward engagement fix and saw the filter was packaged like mine. I could have used that bit of info before I spent money on an extra filter.

My JDM Forester SG5 - SG9 manual says that 5W-30 is recommended, however 10W-30 and 10W-50 can also be used. 0W-20 should only be used for non-turbo variants.

Good video. Just imported a 2014 XV (Crosstrek) from Japan and the oil cap says 0W-20.

Thanks for all your videos they have really cool to watch and showed me a lot of new things I didn’t know about my suby. Like pre cranking the engine to fill the filter. I have a manual crosstrek 2014.. can you do that same thing as you did with the one in the video? Thanks for your help and your videos!

13:15 for the oil just buy oil that has the manufactures approval. For bmw I look for ll-01 certification and it’s gonna be just as good as buying bmw branded oil.

On my receipt for my first oil change on my XV, it says the dealer used bulk Mobil1 Super 3000. I figured it didn't matter if I used the expensive OEM stuff or not after seeing that, so I've been using Castrol Edge since it's usually on sale at Canadian Tire. Sure wish I bought a few bottles of it when I was in Colorado last year... my god engine oil is cheap for you guys. $22 bucks at Wal-mart for the same oil I usually pay $70 (~$50 USD) for after tax. :(

I have a 2014 Outback 3.6 R am I able to flood mold that model? Thank you . I really enjoy your videos quite informative please keep them coming !

Thank you very much. I will switch to 5w30 next change. Was running mobile 1 but consuming. Not *currently* consuming running the Subaru brand.

I use the 15208AA130 oil filter for the BRZ in my 2018 Forester.

Greetings Mr Subaru another terrific video I'm very thankful to have all this information , could you please comment on the Subaru ascent 4cylinder turbocharge engine 2019 model year pros and cons also the CVT as well and any related commentary regarding that line up of vehicles from Subaru the dos and don't thank you.

Here getting original Subaru oil is pretty hard and expensive. Even the Subaru dealership uses Motul and tells their customers to do so. There are standards in the oil industry and the car manufacturers stick to them. If the viscosity is good, the standard is what your engine needs, you choose a decent brand and change it regurarly, it will protect your engine. Same thing with other fuids, they have standards, they have decent manufacturers, i just changed my engine coolant, got some Aisin ultra long life stuff for a good price, it will serv well until the end of the car or until the next radiator leak :)

I can confirm clear flood mode works on my 06 WRX with electronic throttle

I learned something today...

Can you do a segment on vvt solenoid and related problem screen filters and oil pressure switch common troubleshooting and fixes.