TSB for alternate engine oil filter!

14919 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

41 - 60 of 121 Posts

OscarF100

· #41 · 6 mo ago

Heads up on the first oil change by Subaru. I was sworn to twice that the dealer had the old (good) filters on hand and the TSB did not apply to my '22 Forester since they were not using the replacement filters. When I requested a look see at the filters in the parts dept. lo and behold all they had were the replacement filters and no original ones on hand. When I showed the service manager the filter and TSB, she said "oops". Since my car was being serviced as we spoke, I was hoping it could be corrected. A very short time later the car was sitting outside ready for pickup. The service manager assured me the TSB had been accomplished. I highly doubt that was the case as the time elapsed between my bringing the matter to her attention and the car being ready would not have allowed for the full TSB accomplishment. The replacement filter is the one referenced in the TSB.

Reactions: 1

ForesterBill

Discussion Starter · #42 · 6 mo ago

Botnik

· #43 · 6 mo ago

FozzyX3 said:
@bigbird1 Does Canada get the black Tokyo Roki filters (same as installed at the factory) or do you get the SOA blue Fram?

My 2018 XT came with the black 15208AA160 but I have been putting the blue 15208AA15A in it every 10,000 km (currently at about 85,000 km).

When I saw this thread I thought I should go and get some filters because I had used my last one and last crush washer during the last oil change. I went to get the filters only a couple days ago. My local dealership had lots of the 15A. I asked how many were in a box and the parts guy said 12. I didn't want that many so I bought 6 and 6 crush washers, figuring that would last me until they get their supply chain worked out.

Maybe I should have gotten 12? That many might last me the life of the car. 85,000 km plus 120,000 km.

Reactions: 1

Botnik

· #44 · 6 mo ago

@ForesterBill,

Wow that was a lot of talking for not much information.

Reactions: 1

auntiesuebee

· #45 · 6 mo ago

Botnik said:
Wow that was a lot of talking for not much information.

That's many YT videos. Oil filters are like underwear. Every brand gets the job done, it's more important that they are changed on a regular basis.

Reactions: 1

BreadVan

· #46 · 6 mo ago

OscarF100 said:
Heads up on the first oil change by Subaru. I was sworn to twice that the dealer had the old (good) filters on hand and the TSB did not apply to my '22 Forester since they were not using the replacement filters. When I requested a look see at the filters in the parts dept. lo and behold all they had were the replacement filters and no original ones on hand. When I showed the service manager the filter and TSB, she said "oops". Since my car was being serviced as we spoke, I was hoping it could be corrected. A very short time later the car was sitting outside ready for pickup. The service manager assured me the TSB had been accomplished. I highly doubt that was the case as the time elapsed between my bringing the matter to her attention and the car being ready would not have allowed for the full TSB accomplishment. The replacement filter is the one referenced in the TSB.

Being aware of the oil filter replacement TSB, I contacted the dealer that I use frequently and asked to purchase 6 of the Fram-made 15A filters, noting that I did NOT want the replacement filters. I was sent the replacement filters, anyway. In grad school, I learned about the concept of face validity, basically, if it looks good, it might just be good. Certainly not recommended for serious work. In visually comparing the remaining 15A filter that I have with the replacement filter, the latter seems to have been hastily produced.
It would be interesting if the person that cuts up oil filters on YT would compare the 2 filters.

Reactions: 1

TTiimm

· #47 · 6 mo ago

Re flushing the oil, the TSB actually sounds like a good idea for any new engine completely apart from what filter is used.

I'd love to hear what a professional engine builder has to say about it.

bigski

· #48 · 6 mo ago

I wish I had read the TSB on these alternate oil filters prior to purchasing them from Subaruonlineparts. I received the filters rolling arounnd in the bottom of a two foot long box along with a set of wiper blades and a cabin air filter I ordered. The filters were unboxed and not shrink wrapped, laying loosein the bottom of the box covered with some crumpled up brown paper. Two the rubber gaskets and separated from the base plates. I was able to work one gasket back into position but not on the other. The filters are blue but do not have the usual Subaru markings on the can, with just a stamp on the end cap of a code, Made in America, SOA6351520815. They are the lowest quality filters I’ve seen in 50 years of changing oil.

Automotive tire Light Material property Gas Auto part

See less See more

Reactions: 1

Black21Limited

· #49 · 6 mo ago

Wow, you would think they would at least put them in a sealed plastic bag They could have easily wiped out the cabin filter.

bigski

· #50 · 6 mo ago

ForesterBill said:
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.

I wish I had read the TSB on these alternate oil filters prior to purchasing them from Subaruonlineparts. I received the filters rolling arounnd in the bottom of a two foot long box along with a set of wiper blades and a cabin air filter I ordered. The filters were unboxed and not shrink wrapped, laying loose in the bottom of the box covered with some crumpled up brown paper. Two the rubber gaskets and separated from the base plates. I was able to work one gasket back into position but not on the other. The filters are blue but do not have the usual Subaru markings on the can, with just a stamp on the end cap of a code, Made in America, SOA6351520815. They are the lowest quality filters I’ve seen in 50 years of changing oil.

[email protected]

· #51 · 6 mo ago

quit buying them long time ago....

Hestheone

· #52 · 6 mo ago

Have you cut one open? I like the number of fill holes in the tapping plate. And the color of the can is pretty.

Reactions: 1

OriginalTwoTone

· #53 · 6 mo ago

Hestheone said:
Have you cut one open? I like the number of fill holes in the tapping plate. And the color of the can is pretty.

That's what I want to know since the OP is making such a claim.

Reactions: 1

Chickenlips

· #54 · 6 mo ago

Why would anyone buy those filters when the black Japanese filters are available on Amazon and EBay? Expensive, yes, but quality usually is. When the warranty is up, there are many high quality filters out there for purchase.

Reactions: 1

[email protected]

· #55 · 6 mo ago

Because there are counterfeits and pricy.

Reactions: 4

bigbird1

· #56 · 6 mo ago

What's wrong with going to Walmart or any auto parts store and buying a Fram XG 7317 if you're a DIY'er?
They're everywhere, are well constructed, and not overly pricey.
You will not void any factory warranty by using them.
And you won't have to do the ridiculous dealer oil change TSB.

Reactions: 4

Bamboo33

· #57 · 6 mo ago

[email protected] said:
Because there are counterfeits and pricy.

Based on external quality and labeling in addition to the the white packaging they came in, I can confirm that the Tokyo Roki oil filters I purchased in EBAY from a specific seller are genuine.

I have my second oil change coming up in a couple of months and I plan to cut open the original filter, which I kept, and the EBay purchased one which is on my car right now.

FelineFreddie

· #58 · 6 mo ago

Chickenlips said:
Why would anyone buy those filters when the black Japanese filters are available on Amazon and EBay? Expensive, yes, but quality usually is. When the warranty is up, there are many high quality filters out there for purchase.

Why even go that far?

If in the USA, The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act specifically mandates that manufacturers can’t force owners to use OEM parts, such as filters, and it’s the manufacturer’s responsibility to prove a third party part caused damage before denying warranty services.

There are several quality aftermarket filter manufacturers to choose from, with proven track records. The filters the OP purchased were probably made by the lowest bidder on the contract…and it shows.

But, To Each His Own…

Reactions: 1

[email protected]

· #59 · 6 mo ago

Bamboo33 said:
Based on external quality and labeling in addition to the the white packaging they came in, I can confirm that the Tokyo Roki oil filters I purchased in EBAY from a specific seller are genuine.

I have my second oil change coming up in a couple of months and I plan to cut open the original filter, which I kept, and the EBay purchased one which is on my car right now.

meh, too much work, I rather buy local quality brands.

Reactions: 1

4wheelin

· #60 · 6 mo ago

I use Fram Filters. Never had a problem.

41 - 60 of 121 Posts