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

[silversport]

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

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well I did add etc…since I can’t read what that says I didn’t include that…I can guess but assumptions and all…

 

[BobUser]

Hi All,

Well, I think I've made decision - I ordered $28/5 qt delivered from Walmart - and will stock Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 for both the Subaru Ascent and the Golf R.

Of course - until such time a better solution presents itself!

Thanks for all your thoughts!

 

[IndyIan]

The Pennzoil platinum Euro LX in 0W30 is a good choice too. It should resist evaporation a bit better for less deposits in the intake on DI engines that have no injector cleaning the intake valves, as it meets the euro specs requiring this. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum doesn't say specifically that it meets those specs.

 

[BobUser]

The Pennzoil platinum Euro LX in 0W30 is a good choice too. It should resist evaporation a bit better for less deposits in the intake on DI engines that have no injector cleaning the intake valves, as it meets the euro specs requiring this. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum doesn't say specifically that it meets those specs.

Agree and would except it is more difficult to find and more expensive - like $44 compared to $27.

 

[scrllock]

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

Japanese manuals still have the 5w30/0w30 option (I think this is a VB WRX manual through google translate... don't have the full PDF handy to make it cleaner):

The Pleiades Zero 0w30 that's mentioned is basically a euro 0w30, right on the edge of mid/full SAPS, very low pour point. No, this does not mean anything for warranty in the US, but it does show that the motor is totally fine to use a 30 grade per the manufacturer.

 

[IndyIan]

Agree and would except it is more difficult to find and more expensive - like $44 compared to $27.

We seem to be stuck here at the mid $30's for a jug for the "good stuff", of any brand, on sale. My local Canadian Tire store seems to always have Pennzoil Platinum Euro LX, so I guess we all have to choose from what's readily available. My Outback doesn't even have DI, but I like the 0W30, and I don't need to add oil for a 10k km OCI, so I use that.
TBH, I try not to use Walmart or Amazon, as their websites are designed to waste my time, although now I see walmart has actually fixed their up now, so you can see what's available in the local store.

 

[BobUser]

Would certainly default to Pennzoil Euro LX 0W-30 if easy to buy here - but would require $44 for 6 quart bottles, vs $28 for 5 quart bottle. Just too easy with the Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30.

 

[TacoFergie]

I am currently using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w30 in our 21 Ascent with nearly 78k in NW IA and see cold start temps below 0F. I have used 0w20 (Mobil Extended Performance, Castrol EDGE Extended Performance, Valvoline Restore and Protect) and 0w30 (Mobil 1 ESP and Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy) since new. I find that it does run noticeably quieter with an Xw30 oil, especially on cold start. Not that it is a noisy engine, but it's notably dampened.

I am sticking with either Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 or Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w30, just whatever I feel like putting in at the moment. If you do a lot of idling, short trips or city driving, consider 3-4k intervals due to how much the FA24 dilutes the oil with fuel. If you do mostly longer distance interstate driving, 5k intervals will be fine.

 

[edyvw]

Agree and would except it is more difficult to find and more expensive - like $44 compared to $27.

Mobil 1 ESP is state of the art oil. LX is good, but not fan of that viscosity index.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I would probably do the Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30 or Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30.

My first thought on the thread and had to look it up. The Ascent in higher trims says up to 5k lbs towing when properly equipped but base model is only 2k lbs. Quick search says the factory hitch when ordered comes with all the wiring but also to consider a transmission cooler.

3k lb trailer should have come with electric brakes also. My '19 Pilot is also rated at 5k since I installed the transmission cooler, not seeing that with what the 800lb utility trailer loaded (2k on scale) felt like and did to my transmission temperatures.

 

[TacoFergie]

I would probably do the Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30 or Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30.

My first thought on the thread and had to look it up. The Ascent in higher trims says up to 5k lbs towing when properly equipped but base model is only 2k lbs. Quick search says the factory hitch when ordered comes with all the wiring but also to consider a transmission cooler.

3k lb trailer should have come with electric brakes also. My '19 Pilot is also rated at 5k since I installed the transmission cooler, not seeing that with what the 800lb utility trailer loaded (2k on scale) felt like and did to my transmission temperatures.

The Ascent has a transmission cooler assuming it has a towing package from the factory and isn't a base model. The base model is only capable of 2000lb towing due to a lack of transmission cooler and some other TCM/BCM programming. If I recall, nearly every trim level above the base model has a transmission cooler and associated requirements for the 5000lb tow rating.

However, one odd difference between the Ascent and the Outback with the same engine/transmission is fuel requirements while towing. The Outback recommends 91+ octane for towing while the Ascent does not have that recommendation. Some speculate it's because the Ascent has a much larger cooling system capacity than the Outback. Personally, I would still use 91+ if towing. But I've only used 91+ in our Ascent since new.

 

[BobUser]

Actually, since 2023 model year, the Ascent manuals recommend 91+ octane when towing - says something related to reduce temps, etc.

 

[TacoFergie]

Actually, since 2023 model year, the Ascent manuals recommend 91+ octane when towing - says something related to reduce temps, etc.

That's great to hear! I haven't checked the online manual in a while for our 21 to see if it has that updated info yet. However, I've had the Cobb 87+ tune for 50k miles or so. But even before the tune we used 91+. Maybe it's my old antiquated brain, but 87 octane with 10.6:1 compression and 14-16.5psi of boost just seems like it's asking for problems. lol