GC in a Subaru Outback H6 -- what's a good OCI?

[jumpr]

I'm currently running GC with a PureOne PL14459 in my 2004 Outback H6. The engine has no problems and it's been quieter and smoother than ever since the GC went in. No more Subaru Shimmy.

The GC has been in the engine for about 6,000 miles, and I was planning to run it out to 7,500 miles before changing it out for the GC I picked up today at Pep Boys and a Wix filter I had lying around. But lately I've been wondering if I can stretch it out longer than 7,500 miles without a filter change, especially considering that Mobil1 EP has a 15,000 mile "guaranteed" OCI. I was thinking 10,000 miles as a good, round number.

Your thoughts?

 

[BobFout]

What's your driving conditions?

 

[jumpr]

Originally Posted By: BobFout
What's your driving conditions?

When I commute to work, I drive about 3-4 miles in the city and about 15 on the highway. On the weekends it's nearly all highway miles. I'll call it 30% city, 70% highway. My driving style is medium -- not too hard, but I don't baby it either. No off-road, no dirt roads.

 

[jumpr]

For reference, here's my original oil recommendation thread: Link

 

[BobFout]

I don't know what kind of fuel dilution you'd see, a sample at 7500 miles would be a good idea.

 

[hate2work]

GC isn't known as a long OCI oil, but I've seen several good UOAs that went 7-8k. But I wouldn't push it to 10k without more knowledge. Still, it doesn't sound like you're particularly hard on oil, so

 

[GhostFlame]

Originally Posted By: hate2work

GC isn't known as a long OCI oil, but I've seen several good UOAs that went 7-8k. But I wouldn't push it to 10k without more knowledge. Still, it doesn't sound like you're particularly hard on oil, so


German Castrol is speced for the BMW at 15,000 mile oil change with no in between filter change. I have never taken my BMW that far on any oil, I might note that my pan is 8qts so there is a lot of oil. I would think in a Subaru with a 4 to 5 qt pan 7,000 to 7,500 would be good.

 

[Eddie]

Stick with what the Subaru factory recomends untill you get a UOA. That is my opinion.

 

[GhostFlame]

Good point my old toyota 4 runner was 6,000 miles... what is the suggested oci?

 

[jumpr]

Subaru recommends a 7,500 mile OCI for the H6, on conventional, so I figure I can go longer with GC. But I'll be safe and stick with 7,500 (maybe stretch it out to 8,000) as cheap insurance. $27.99 for GC and filter is a bargain, especially considering I only drive about 10,000 miles a year.

EDIT: It's a 5.8 qt sump, so it's not huge, but it's not tiny either.

 

[rcy]

Totally unrelated - I had a 2001 Outback H6 (first year for the 6 in the Outback) and had zero problems (got rid of it at 150000km or so). I was running PP mostly. Couple UOAs posted here (one with high copper for some reason - copper dropped in the following UOA). As much as I like my current vehicle, I really miss the Outback.

 

[Solo2driver]

10K sounds good, if 7.5K is the SOA recommendation.

 

[jumpr]

Originally Posted By: rcy
Totally unrelated - I had a 2001 Outback H6 (first year for the 6 in the Outback) and had zero problems (got rid of it at 150000km or so). I was running PP mostly. Couple UOAs posted here (one with high copper for some reason - copper dropped in the following UOA). As much as I like my current vehicle, I really miss the Outback.
It really is an awesome vehicle. I've hauled some crazy loads and gone through some extreme weather conditions with it, and it never puts up a fuss. I do all my own maintenance, which is very easy because everything is so accessible, even without ramps/jackstands. Heated seats, side mirrors, and windshield wipers are so nice in the winter.