Subaru Ascent (FA-24 turbo engine) - oil choices ...

[BobUser]

Hi All,

Once out of warranty I started doing my own changes - 0W-20 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum (Pennzoil Ultra Platinum) for a couple, then 5W-20 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, then 5W-30 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, and back to 0W-20 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. I could detect no obvious sound or start or MPG differences.

Live in north Florida, and occasionally tow a 3000 pound trailer. I'm looking for easily accessible oils, not boutique oils.

After spending a LOT of time trying to understand the various oils, types, technology changes, comparisons, and being flamed by the devotees of Subaru, I sense I'm near the end of my quest to settle on an oil. Now, I certainly understand most of this doesn't really matter given my 5-6K mile OCI - but it is interesting ;-)

So, given how good Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is, options are 0W-20 or 5W-30, Pennzoil Platinum Euro LX. On the Mobil 1 side there are even more options, but trying to stay 0W-30 or 5W-30, so leaning maybe to ESP - and, admittedly Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 is way easier to get at Walmart than Pennzoil Ultra Platinum LX 0w30 from Amazon (single supplier looks like).

I know there are two discussion topics here - the viscosity and the oil itself. Sometimes can't separate them out. And, I understand the perspectives of the true believers in 0W-20, but just can't make it fully to the point where I really believe 0W-20 is the BEST solution - I know it is the chosen solution for many OEMs (and, that those same OEMs are going even thinner) due to CAFE, certifications of emissions equipment and warranty legalities.

And, oh yeah, I have a VW Golf R using Mobil 1 of some sort (only one oil change so far at dealer and they didn't know which M1, just 0W-30). Would like to buy just one oil, if possible.

Appreciate your thoughts!

 

[Rand]

Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 in my FA24F (24 outback xt) I voted with my wallet.

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum has a $30 reward card on 10qt and 2 5qt jugs cost $53 at walmart..(in store only)
if you trying to save a buck.

Your engine is the FA24F commonly called the FA24DIT

 

[fantastic]

Either Pennzoil Ultra Platinum or Mobil 1 ESP 30 grade will be more than adequate.

 

[edyvw]

ESP 0W30 for both Subaru and Golf R.

 

[facility1]

use Pennzoil ultra 5w-30 ,it will work fine in your climate of Florda ,no reason to use a euro oil in your car .Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is a better oil, maybe consider AMSOIL Signature Series also for longer oci.

 

[147Grain]

Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 0w40 or Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30.

 

[edyvw]

use Pennzoil ultra 5w-30 ,it will work fine in your climate of Florda ,no reason to use a euro oil in your car .Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is a better oil, maybe consider AMSOIL Signature Series also for longer oci.

How? All ears.

 

[mt23]

Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w30

 

[HemiBenny]

Now, I certainly understand most of this doesn't really matter given my 5-6K mile OCI

Appreciate your thoughts!

There's your answer. You had the answer all along. (Top-tier synthetic of your choice at a 5-6k OCI.)

I really hope that you appreciate the simplicity of my thoughts on your situation.

 

[Swifty]

I have a variant of the same motor in my WRX and these things dilute fuel pretty good. M1ESP for the win or any Xw/30, it will end up a 20wt anyway.

 

[GW.]

Subaru’s are prone to piston deposits. I would recommend

Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30
Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30
AMSOIL Signature Series 0w30 or 5w30

 

[BobUser]

Appreciate the comments!

No one an adherent of staying with 0W-20 in support of the Subaru Disciples (they do mean well)?

Or, given the mild winter and harsh summer temps in Florida, moving to 5W-30?

Again, the hairs are being split, but this is and will remain an interesting topic!

 

[mt23]

No sense splitting hairs over a small change in viscosity with an engine that will dilute the oil with fuel. Air on the side of caution and longevity. Do your best to keep the engine oiling clean and fuel system clean.

 

[BobUser]

No sense splitting hairs over a small change in viscosity with an engine that will dilute the oil with fuel. Air on the side of caution and longevity. Do your best to keep the engine oiling clean and fuel system clean.

That's no fun, mt23!

I thought the point of BITOG is to parse things down to the lowest possible technical perspective, using latest specs and testing!

 

[scrllock]

In other markets, 5w30/0w30 is encouraged for the FA24. No reason you can't use ESP 0w30, 5w30, X4 0w40, or even FS 5w40/0w40 in FL weather. ESP 0w30 if you want to run one oil, prefer Mobil 1 and the R is still under warranty.

 

[BobUser]

Yeah - R (2024 last of the manuals) has 1600 miles now ... so, will probably be out of warranty prior to getting to 5000 miles, but when it does will start doing the changes, myself. One oil on the shelf would be pretty great!

 

[silversport]

In other markets, 5w30/0w30 is encouraged for the FA24. No reason you can't use ESP 0w30, 5w30, X4 0w40, or even FS 5w40/0w40 in FL weather. ESP 0w30 if you want to run one oil, prefer Mobil 1 and the R is still under warranty.

I’ve been unable to find this posted anywhere other than by saying it’s so (5W-30 encouragement) …when I have looked up engine oils from the manufacturer in the US, Canada, Australia, etc. I see 0W-20 recommended with “if you need to add oil” in 5W-30 “conventional” allowed...

Bill

 

[BobUser]

I’ve been unable to find this posted anywhere other than by saying it’s so (5W-30 encouragement) …when I have looked up engine oils from the manufacturer in the US, Canada, Australia, etc. I see 0W-20 recommended with “if you need to add oil” in 5W-30 “conventional” allowed...

Bill

Yep ... the 5W-30 conventional is in my manual, too. Why add conventional oil ... ever ... to synthetic? Sure, if synthetic not available, but the language is specific ...

 

[bluesubie]

I’ve been unable to find this posted anywhere other than by saying it’s so (5W-30 encouragement) …when I have looked up engine oils from the manufacturer in the US, Canada, Australia, etc. I see 0W-20 recommended with “if you need to add oil” in 5W-30 “conventional” allowed...

Bill

Those are not the only “other markets” for the FA24 DIT . I don’t believe there are any current models that recommend a 40 grade, but do allow up to a Euro 30 grade. The last one listed Les Pleiades 0W-30.
https://www.pleiades-zero.com/?page_id=342

 

[edyvw]

Appreciate the comments!

No one an adherent of staying with 0W-20 in support of the Subaru Disciples (they do mean well)?

Or, given the mild winter and harsh summer temps in Florida, moving to 5W-30?

Again, the hairs are being split, but this is and will remain an interesting topic!

Your ambient temperature at that altitude is absolutely irrelevant. You have high air density and cooling system won’t struggle to keep oil temperature in check. From my understanding, that engine in Ascent has pretty robust cooling system that is not an issue here in the Rockies, where it is more challenging to cool off engine.
Also, 0W or 5W, is absolutely irrelevant for you. Many 0W oils have better base stocks as blending shear stable 0W is more challenging than blending shear stable 5W. For example, Castrol Edge 0W30 Euro is far better choice than Edge 5W30 Euro. 0W is up to 50% PAO, while 5W30 is strictly Group III.