TSB for alternate engine oil filter!

14915 Views 120 Replies 43 Participants Last post by LeRM, 1 mo ago

ForesterBill

Discussion Starter · 7 mo ago

Not only is there a shortage of the blue Subaru OEM filters but check out the double oil change procedure for the 6k mile/6 month oil change.

Reactions: 4

21 - 40 of 121 Posts

579818

· #21 · 7 mo ago

Slight update: I am a member of another Subaru forum. On the other forum, members believe the alternate oil filter is made by ACDelco.

Since I own an older Forester, I don't perform oil changes at the dealer. But someone can check at his or her local dealership.

FelineFreddie

· #22 · 7 mo ago

The TSB is hardly a glowing recommendation for using Subaru-supplied “alternate OEM” oil filters, IMO…

Reactions: 5

dfmarino

· #23 · 7 mo ago (Edited)

blank

Reactions: 1

FozzyX3

· #24 · 7 mo ago

Um, no. The blue Fram oil filters used by SOA and Subaru Canada are made right here in the US. The Tokyo Roki filters installed at the factory are made in Japan.

Reactions: 4

karlaudi

· #25 · 7 mo ago

vtdog said:
Just looked at the TSB. Absolutely ridiculous ! There is zero chance that any dealer, service station, or quick lube joint will follow those directions. The pimply faced kid who does the oil changes will never, ever take the time to do all that foolishness. His boss will also be pushing him to get the car out of the bay and the extra time needed to go through the procedure outlined in the TSB will not be allowed.
Subaru needs to find a plan "B"

In a professional operation this TSB should not be a challenge.

Reactions: 2

Black21Limited

· #26 · 7 mo ago

Reminder: See post #11. Don't be surprised if your posts get edited or deleted.

Reactions: 2

Natedog

· #27 · 7 mo ago (Edited)

So sad...Subaru ain't what they used to be. And as mentioned, the kid doing the oil changes at the dealership with boss standing over him to hurry up.
Clearly these filters are not up to the task...use them at your own risk lol.
One more reason to do our own oil changes.

Reactions: 3

Theseus161

· #28 · 7 mo ago

Kevin said:
or - another oil filter comparison thread

It won't - will it guys!

of course it will. I only use the best for my Porsche, Ferraris and Bentleys that I drive.
I prefer brand X filters with Brand XX oil , the best there is. I’m telling you, Brand X is THE BEST!

Reactions: 1

auntiesuebee

· #29 · 7 mo ago

Natedog said:
<snip> the kid doing the oil changes at the dealership <snip>

The "kid" where my son works is 65 years old. Apparently being a lube jockey is a nice retirement gig.

Most kids these days don't want any job where they can't be on their cell phone all day.

Reactions: 3

Kevin

· #30 · 7 mo ago

Black21Limited said:
Reminder: See post #11. Don't be surprised if your posts get edited or deleted.

Exactly - there are already some surprises

579818

· #31 · 7 mo ago

Kevin said:
Exactly - there are already some surprises

Just To clarify, nobody edited my post. a forum member messaged me and asked me to stay on topic. Thus, I removed my oil and filter recommendations. There is no censorship by the mods.

I added another post to update the brand of the "replacement filter" from Subaru of America (potentially).

Kevin

· #32 · 7 mo ago

^ I had no surprises in-store for you @john_gates ; sorry if you feel left out

paddykern

· #33 · 7 mo ago

Confused. I bought a 2022 Forester Wilderness and at the time I also bought six Subaru filters.
It is about time for the first oil change.
Do I have to do the flush routine or just change the oil and filter?
What is the reason for the flush?
Shouldn't the original factory filter have picked up all the contaminants?
Is it because the filter is upside down and contaminants can drain back into the engine?

boureesub

· #34 · 7 mo ago

@paddykern - You aren't using the alternate filter, so none of this applies. Just do the regular oil change.

Reactions: 1

paddykern

· #35 · 7 mo ago

boureesub said:
@paddykern - You aren't using the alternate filter, so none of this applies. Just do the regular oil change.

Thank you.

Fibber2

· #36 · 7 mo ago

Mildly off topic, but....

Two weeks ago I attempted my first oil change on my 6 month old (to me) CPO 2019 Foz. No joy, as the drain plug has a totally stripped head and was so overtight that even a 6 pt 14 mm on an impact could not grip or loosen it. Next up was an 'easy-out' socket, but then I just stopped and called the selling dealer. They advised that I not proceed and instead bring it in.

I went there yesterday, with my 6 pack of Mobil 1, a blue filter and a crush washer on the floor up front. Given that blue filters are in generally short supply, they asked if they could use my supplies, they'd replace the damaged plug and assess any other damage, and just charge me $33 labor. I would have preferred free all around given the inconvenience, but said 'sure' just to keep the relationship.

While there I had them replace a TPMS Shrader valve that had developed a slow leak, and had them load test the EFB battery as it sometimes starts a bit slow after sitting for a week or two if I forget to throw on the NOCO smart conditioner. They did both no charge. They reported the battery to be too strong to justify a free replacement. Subaru is requiring a 12k mile per year use rate (to keep it alternator charged), or they push back. Although they said if I wasn't happy with that to call SOA and see if they would budge. I'm not sure I agree, but will probably just treat the vehicle to a new one before deep winter.

On the drain plug issue.... They sort of laughed it off as a 'consumable' item only good for a half dozen changes, then toss. I told them I disagreed. With reasonable care IMHO, the plug and pan should last a lifetime. We agreed to disagree.

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Reactions: 1

ForesterBill

Discussion Starter · #37 · 7 mo ago

Fibber2 said:
On the drain plug issue.... They sort of laughed it off as a 'consumable' item only good for a half dozen changes, then toss. I told them I disagreed. With reasonable care IMHO, the plug and pan should last a lifetime.

Yes it should last a lifetime which might be why Subaru issued this TSB:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10207172-0001.pdf

Hopefully your dealer installed the new and more durable 17mm plug.

Reactions: 1

Fibber2

· #38 · 7 mo ago

I had the TSB with me and asked for the 17mm. Unfortunately they said they go thru them (given their attitude, why am I not surprised???) and the new ones are on backorder.

Reactions: 2

paddykern

· #39 · 7 mo ago

Fibber2 said:
I had the TSB with me and asked for the 17mm. Unfortunately they said they go thru them (given their attitude, why am I not surprised???) and the new ones are on backorder.

I had the same thing happen to my 2018 Forester.
Thought it was my fault for improper alignment of the socket.
Been changing my own oil for the last 50 years and never had that happen to me before.
Bought a new drain plug but traded the 2018 in for a 2022 Forester Wilderness before the next oil change.

Just changed the oil on the 2022 FW yesterday and it had the new 17mm plug.
Dang, that thing was on tight along with the oil filter.
When I bought the 2022 I bought six oil filters

[email protected]

· #40 · 7 mo ago

There was a TSB to upgrade the plug to a bigger head. I think they need to train their techs better

Reactions: 1

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