2016 WRX - Mobil 1 0w40 and Forget About It?

[john_pifer]

I'm strongly considering the purchase of a new 2016 WRX, which, I'm quite sure most of you know, has the "FA20F" direct-injected, turbocharged engine.

Of course, I'm already fantasizing about the first oil change and what I should run. Subaru calls for a 5w30. They do authorize a "5W-40 conventional" for top-up purposes only, recommending a return to 5w30 at the earliest convenience (I know - there's no such thing as a 5W-40 conventional).

From everything I've read about Mobil 1 0W-40 here over the years, I have no doubt that it would perform very well...perhaps even extremely well...in the new WRX. And...it's available right across the street at Wal-Mart, at a decent price.

I haven't done a ton of research, but from what I have read, it seems that this engine has at least 3 factors that can be hard on oil:

1. Direct Fuel Injection (which, as I understand, can lead to fuel dilution of crankcase oil).

2. Turbocharger (the oil must cool the turbo and lubricate the turbo bearings, the high heat of which can lead to vaporization and shear).

3. Timing chains (shear)

From what I've read, 5w30s shear down very quickly in these engines. It would seem to make good sense to use something a bit heavier like a 5w30 that's a bit higher on the viscosity scale for that grade (perhaps a Euro formulation 30W), or maybe a 40W that is a bit lower on the viscosity scale for that grade (Mobil 1 0W-40).

I know that any oil will be a compromise...

And then I started reading about SAPS. Apparently that's a hot topic around here right now, especially in relation to the European turbo'd cars, especially?

Some seem to think that SAPS has a lot to do with deposits forming on intake valves on direct-injected engines, but then I was reading a recent thread here in which someone seemed to suggest that's not the case...

Anyway, what do you guys think the perfect oil for a new WRX would be? It won't be tracked - just driven in a spirited fashion mostly in the city, on the highway, and down an occasional crooked backroad with plenty of time spent in the upper reaches of the tachometer.

Oh, one more thing - I know Subaru calls for a 5w30. But that may not be the best choice for this engine in my application...especially going into summer.

 

[Garak]

What exactly do they call for with respect for a 5w30? Do they call for any 5w30? Or, any API rated 5w30? Or, do they specifically call for an ILSAC 5w30?

 

[john_pifer]

Let me see if I can find the manual online.

 

[john_pifer]

Subaru calls for an API SN "Resource Conserving" *OR* ILSAC GF-5 synthetic 5w30.

Here's a link to the PDF Owner's Manual:

http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/102883/pdf/ownerManual/102883_2016_WRX/MSA5M1605B071315_17.pdf

 

[john_pifer]

Interestingly, according to the above manual, the standard WRX (2.0L) oil capacity is 1 quart greater than the STi (2.5L).

Guess they knew the new 2.0 Direct-Injected engine would be harder on oil.

 

[901Memphis]

I think using the Mobil 1 0W40 would be a good idea

 

[john_pifer]

Just found where they call for 6000-mile OCI.

It says, "Replacement interval 6000 miles. No requirement at the first 3000 miles."

Kind of a strange statement... I'm assuming they mean that no oil change is required until the car reaches 6000 miles.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: john_pifer
Subaru calls for an API SN "Resource Conserving" *OR* ILSAC GF-5 synthetic 5w30.

Darn, I was trying to see if there was formal wiggle room for a CJ-4/SN 5w30 with elevated HTHS, like there is at least in some Nissan/Infiniti manuals, which merely call for a 5w30 that's either ILSAC or just API.

Oh well.

The way I read it, one could probably argue to use a 5w-40 all the time, but I have no idea how much of an issue that would be for Subaru. They, too, have the generic talk about higher viscosity for certain conditions, without really stating much more than that.

Nonetheless, since it calls for an SN/GF-5 5w30 in synthetic, if it were me and I were sticking with that viscosity recommendation, I'd probably be finding something that is/was an A5/B5.

 

[john_pifer]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: john_pifer
Subaru calls for an API SN "Resource Conserving" *OR* ILSAC GF-5 synthetic 5w30.

Darn, I was trying to see if there was formal wiggle room for a CJ-4/SN 5w30 with elevated HTHS, like there is at least in some Nissan/Infiniti manuals, which merely call for a 5w30 that's either ILSAC or just API.

Oh well.

The way I read it, one could probably argue to use a 5w-40 all the time, but I have no idea how much of an issue that would be for Subaru. They, too, have the generic talk about higher viscosity for certain conditions, without really stating much more than that.

Nonetheless, since it calls for an SN/GF-5 5w30 in synthetic, if it were me and I were sticking with that viscosity recommendation, I'd probably be finding something that is/was an A5/B5.


So, I just went to ACEA's site and read the brief description of A5/B5:

"ACEA A5/B5 Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in high performance gasoline engines and car & light van diesel engines designed to be capable of using low friction low viscosity oils with a High temperature / High shear rate (HTHS) viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa.s. These oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt."

So, what are some examples of a 5w30 that meets API SN or ILSAC GF-5 and also meets ACEA A5/B5?

 

[Leo99]

Use what Subaru says to use.

 

[wemay]

5w30 A5|B5?

That's going to be difficult. All the major brands (SynPower, Pennzoil Platinum, Mobil 1, Edge, Quaker State Synthetic...) dropped that spec recently. You may find some 6 month old stock that still has the approval but none of there data sheets currently show A5/B5, unfortunately.

 

[john_pifer]

Originally Posted By: Leo99
Use what Subaru says to use.


Heck, I already use Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30 in my Tacoma. I know it's a much different engine, but I've been very happy with it. 177K on the Tacoma since I bought it new, and uses no oil between 10K OCIs.

Mobil 1 Extended Performance meets Subaru's criteria, and I know it's a quality oil...it's XOM's flagship product.

Might just use that and have an analysis done, and see how it does.

Interestingly, Mobil 1 Extended Performance is a bit thinner than standard M1, and has a VI a few points lower. Wonder why that is.

 

[jaj]

Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5w30. It is a low-SAPS oil with API SN, along with a long list of manufacturers approvals. No ILSAC though.

 

[john_pifer]

Originally Posted By: jaj
Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5w30. It is a low-SAPS oil with API SN, along with a long list of manufacturers approvals. No ILSAC though.


So, do SAPS, or don't they, contribute to intake valve deposits on these engines?

I understand that, normally, high SAPS are a good thing (anti-wear).

 

[Gasbuggy]

Stick with 5w30 or worry about possible warranty issues later.

 

[RazorsEdge]

Originally Posted By: john_pifer
I'm strongly considering the purchase of a new 2016 WRX, which, I'm quite sure most of you know, has the "FA20F" direct-injected, turbocharged engine.

Of course, I'm already fantasizing about the first oil change and what I should run. Subaru calls for a 5w30. They do authorize a "5W-40 conventional" for top-up purposes only, recommending a return to 5w30 at the earliest convenience (I know - there's no such thing as a 5W-40 conventional).

From everything I've read about Mobil 1 0W-40 here over the years, I have no doubt that it would perform very well...perhaps even extremely well...in the new WRX. And...it's available right across the street at Wal-Mart, at a decent price.

I haven't done a ton of research, but from what I have read, it seems that this engine has at least 3 factors that can be hard on oil:

1. Direct Fuel Injection (which, as I understand, can lead to fuel dilution of crankcase oil).

2. Turbocharger (the oil must cool the turbo and lubricate the turbo bearings, the high heat of which can lead to vaporization and shear).

3. Timing chains (shear)

From what I've read, 5w30s shear down very quickly in these engines. It would seem to make good sense to use something a bit heavier like a 5w30 that's a bit higher on the viscosity scale for that grade (perhaps a Euro formulation 30W), or maybe a 40W that is a bit lower on the viscosity scale for that grade (Mobil 1 0W-40).

I know that any oil will be a compromise...

And then I started reading about SAPS. Apparently that's a hot topic around here right now, especially in relation to the European turbo'd cars, especially?

Some seem to think that SAPS has a lot to do with deposits forming on intake valves on direct-injected engines, but then I was reading a recent thread here in which someone seemed to suggest that's not the case...

Anyway, what do you guys think the perfect oil for a new WRX would be? It won't be tracked - just driven in a spirited fashion mostly in the city, on the highway, and down an occasional crooked backroad with plenty of time spent in the upper reaches of the tachometer.

Oh, one more thing - I know Subaru calls for a 5w30. But that may not be the best choice for this engine in my application...especially going into summer.


Use what is recommended for this application.

 

[userfriendly]

I think you are on the right track, but personally believe Delvac 0W40 is the better Mobil choice.
It meets CJ-4/SN if I'm not mistaken.

 

[RazorsEdge]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
I think using the Mobil 1 0W40 would be a good idea


This is a new vehicle,and you think Ow40,even though it's not factory spec'd is a good idea.

There's a warranty involved here....

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: john_pifer
So, what are some examples of a 5w30 that meets API SN or ILSAC GF-5 and also meets ACEA A5/B5?

Most big name synthetics do so (or did so, there's a little kerfuffle right now about the B5 part, due to some biodiesel test, which is of no relevance to us). Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum claim the specification. Mobil 1, Mobil 1 Extended Performance, Castrol Edge black bottle, and Castrol Edge gold bottle did have it at one point, and for the latter two, it is supposed to return for sure. I'd suspect the same for M1, but no one has actually checked. Quaker State Ultimate Durability used to have at least an older version of A5/B5 claimed at one point, and would be another suitable choice.

All those I listed are also SN/GF-5.

 

[Phishin]

If it were my car, I wouldn't care about running a manual specified oil in my new 2016 WRX. Or any any car.

In the EXTREMELY rare instance where you would need warranty work done on the engine, such that Subaru would pull a used oil analysis, I've never once heard of or even read about a warranty claim being denied because someone used the wrong weight oil in their car. You couldn't find me one "internet instance" either.

Now, onto the actual question about oil....

I'm not sure how much actual merit there is to this, but several highly regarded BITOG members claim that Mobil 1 0w40 isn't the best oil for turbo applications. There are two theories as to why this is true: A.) VISOM base-stock just isn't great for this application and B.) High Calcium only detergent oils aren't either.

If you believe this (and I tend to), it's hard to bypass a good ol' HDEO. Rotella T6, Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck, Delvac, Delo, etc. etc. Even boutique oil blenders offer HDEO's if you want to get fancy: Torco, Redline, Schaffer's, RLI, etc. etc.

Also, being a Turbo, with direct infection, and loving this car to death, and the cheap price of easily obtainable outstanding HDEO's at Walmart prices, I'd probably run 3-4k mile OCI's and sleep VERY well at night.