Hal4287

Hey Ya'll

Long time reader and first time poster. I recently acquired a 2013 Foz and love it, but at the dealership I fought off the slimy salesmen and would not let them take my 2001 Foz (on trade-in) which I love with all my heart. Anyway, the new Foz requires full synthetic 0w-20 oil. I found the manufacture that Subaru rebrands (Idemitsu) and found some really great deals (17$ a gallon and free shipping) so I loaded up. My question is since I still have my old Foz would it be advisable to use the Idemitsu oil in my 2001 Foz? I only ask because I have enough for for like 6 oil changes for both vehicles now.

My next question kinds of brings this whole thing full circle. I drove home for x-mas (~3000 miles) and thought I should get the fluids exchanged for the trip. Running short on time I took it down to the Jiffylube.....that was a mistake. Front and rear diff, oil change, and a fuel filter replacement. I know about Subaru's specs on 23 psi for bypass on their oil filters so I bought my own wix version of the Tokyo-roki and told the guy to use it. Well, this mentally challenged oil change "expert" assured my that the shop filter would meet specs and I let him go on with it. Well, when I was getting ready to leave the folks after x-mas I decided to check fluids and prepare to depart again. I popped the hood and immediately noticed the fuel filter wopsided in its cradle. I grabbed it and realized that it has been bouncing around the whole time. I thought at first they had put on the wrong fuel filter and then realized that some cushion was missing or they bent the cradle. A piece of cardboard is holding it tightly now. Anyone know this set up? Anyway, I knew then that they had put on the wrong oil filter and after grabbing my flashlight and maneuvering around my giant skid plate I saw a "Mighty" brand oil filter and then proceeded to mumble a few choice curses on Billy Bob my oil change "expert". I called him up and told him that he lied to me and that oil filter does not meet Subaru specs and he then corrected me by saying that it does meet EPA specs which is all they are required to do by law. He then robotically cited some Act that would require automakers to supply specific parts if they were required for normal operation of the vehicle and then he told me not to worry that if the engine blows because of the filter that they would still have to honor the warranty. My warranty expired over 7 years ago...hence why I want to use the best parts to maintain it.

I digress, After that experience I have permanently sworn off oil change places and will be doing it all myself. My first hurdle was to find the proper filters. I located a source for tokyo-rokis that are spec'ed for the new Foz but I couldn't tell if they would be ok to use on the older Foz. The part number is 15208AA160. Anyone happen to know? I was also planning to install Fumoto oil drain valves. Both Foz's have Primitive skid plates and I suspect that they will protect from any accidental oil loss. But if someone knows something I don't about them please let me know.

Sorry this is so long and thanks for any assistance anyone can provide.

Hal

Loscaldazar

Nope. Don't use the oil or the filters for the 2013 for the 2001. Oil is too thin, and the filter will fit, but wasn't designed for the 2001.

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2003 Forester 2.5XS Mod Journal

Hal4287

Thread Starter

Awesome. Thanks for your help. Just curious about the filter...if it fits why wouldn't it work properly? Don't they have the same bypass setting? Know where I can get any 15208AA100's? I refuse to use Subaru's rebranded blue honeywell's.

Thanks again

Hal

trailangel

Hi Hal,
If you are OK with "Mighty" filters and Jiffy Lube, just put any filter you want on it.

So what's the problem with buying 2 different oils and filters??

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TrailAngel
2010 2.5X 5MT

Aaron'z 2.5RS/WRX

There's a whole thread here somewhere about the whole range of "accepted" oil filters

Sent from Hell via Tapatalk

walth

I think these might help:

oil filter discussion

oil filter comparison

I honestly don't know about the filter, and I only read a little bit of what you mentioned, but my guess (without any research) would be that the filter is designed for the newer application and might have a different micron rating and may act differently with different weight oils. I've glanced through these threads but get exhausted reading stuff like this. good luck :)

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04 XS leather
03 XS leather
91 Ford Festiva

crewzer

Congratulations on the purchase of your new 2013 Forester, and welcome to the forum!

The 0W-20 synthetic engine oil is most likely too thin to use in your 2001 Forester. 5W-30 is the "preferred" weight, but wear and/or "severe" driving conditions may warrant an even heavier oil. See page 11-13 in your OM.

The -160 filter has the correct bypass spec, and it's about the right diameter. However, it's taller than the old -100. But, many people have used the fairly "tall" Purolator PL14610 on Foresters with the EJ25 engine, so the -160 might just work on your old car.

I think it's worth a shot. If the -160 doesn't fit on your '01, then you use it on your '13.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

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12 Forester 2.5X FB25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV
09 Forester 2.5X EJ25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV (sold 7/2011)

Aaron'z 2.5RS/WRX

Those... VVVV.... lol...

Hal4287

Thread Starter

Thanks fellas. I will give the -160's a try on the older car. I live in UT now and the driving conditions are pretty rough in the mountains so I will stick with the heavier oil.

Thanks again

Hal