Crosstrek FB20B short tripper OCI plan

[SimpleJaq]

Picked up a Crosstrek FB20B 2.0L with 77k miles on the clock from a friend for pretty cheap. On days I drive it's <10 miles, 2 to 4 miles per drive. Usually 4+ hours between drives. I do take at least one 30+ minute drive about once a month.

The plan is:

• 3000 miles OCI, or annual whichever comes first
• 5w-30 Restore and Protect for the first 2-3 changes
• Cheapest 0w-30 I can find after that
• Filter every 6000 miles, or annual whichever comes first

Valvoline Restore and Protect for obvious used-car reasons. 0w for as thin as I can get at startup. 30 for fuel dilution protection. Any issues with this plan?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

That sounds like a good plan. For the filter, I suggest the Ecogard S4615. It is a good price on Amazon. Most of the parts stores' house brand filters will be the same (their higher/premium filters will be the S4615, while their standard filters will be the cheaper X4615). Walmart carries OE Subaru filters, but they're not a good price.

0w30 is good, but not as widely available as 5w30. Walmart brand ST Advanced Synthetic High Mileage 5w30 is a great price

Replace the filter every OCI. To avoid spilling oil everywhere, turn it slightly, as soon as it starts loosening, then tighten it back up very slightly (as soon as it catches back on), and wait 15 minutes or so.

Subaru says 1 year max anyway, like most cars.

 

[GW.]

Solid plan. I would stick with Valvoline Restore and Protect for the life of this vehicle and never worry about oil consumption.

I’m currently testing ESP 0W-30 in my Outback after 4 full oci’s of Valvoline Restore and Protect. If ESP can keep my pistons clean it will be a great choice.

 

[kschachn]

Valvoline Restore and Protect for obvious used-car reasons. 0w for as thin as I can get at startup. 30 for fuel dilution protection. Any issues with this plan?

Depending on the temperature of course. Above about -30 or so then no guarantee it is thinner than a 5W rated oil. How low of a temperature are you starting?

 

[SimpleJaq]

Depending on the temperature of course. Above about -30 or so then no guarantee it is thinner than a 5W rated oil. How low of a temperature are you starting?

Well above that, which is why I'm not too worried about using 5w30 Restore and Protect.

 

[kschachn]

Well above that, which is why I'm not too worried about using 5w30 Restore and Protect.

Sure, just noting what you said.

 

[JavierH19]

Don't forget the cvt and the diff.

 

[Wireman1987]

sounds good run the OE filter

 

[SimpleJaq]

Don't forget the cvt and the diff.

Yep! I’ve got oem CVT fluid here ready for me next time I want to get under the car

 

[Rand]

Yep! I’ve got oem CVT fluid here ready for me next time I want to get under the car

just make sure its the right one(CVTF-II GREEN)..

Port injection FB20.. might be ok.. but standard oci on those is 6month or 6000 miles.
1 year with short tripping might be pushing it depending on your location.

I would probably do a 6-8month OCI and a used oil analysis to confirm its ok to stretch to 1year.