Subaru Maintenance
- Thread starter Charmet37
- Start date
Motor oil I'd run at least 10W30. If it burns or leaks, go heavier. I'm not convinced the old boxers care at all.
Diffs just need 75W90 and personally I'd run dino 85W90 all day long. If a manual transmission, the front diff and transmission are one and then 75W90 may be better.
If you need ATF, Maxlife or the Valvoline Import would be fine. I think it calls for Dex/Merc, so all the better. The true Dex/Merc is less expensive than VML if your WM actually has it in stock -- my store is often out.
Diffs just need 75W90 and personally I'd run dino 85W90 all day long. If a manual transmission, the front diff and transmission are one and then 75W90 may be better.
If you need ATF, Maxlife or the Valvoline Import would be fine. I think it calls for Dex/Merc, so all the better. The true Dex/Merc is less expensive than VML if your WM actually has it in stock -- my store is often out.
Change the gear oil and ATF to Amsoil and you are done with those fluids for the rest of the vehicle's life (roughly).
You did not say where you live. If in the frigid north I would use NAPA synthetic. Easier starting.
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2020
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I live in the Northeast, Current weather cold and we just had a snowfall.
Only on BITOG is 1995 "late model". 
Timing belt is critical. The fluids are important but at this point, they have been doing a good job.
But if you are in the Northeast then rust prevention is #1.1 at this point--just right after the #1 job of the timing belt, but only slightly behind. You could use the bestest of oils but if you do nothing to prevent rust... our climate will eat your car alive. Literally.
Timing belt is critical. The fluids are important but at this point, they have been doing a good job.
But if you are in the Northeast then rust prevention is #1.1 at this point--just right after the #1 job of the timing belt, but only slightly behind. You could use the bestest of oils but if you do nothing to prevent rust... our climate will eat your car alive. Literally.
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- Nov 9, 2020
- Messages
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I agree, Are there any products to help stop rust.Only on BITOG is 1995 "late model".
Timing belt is critical. The fluids are important but at this point, they have been doing a good job.
But if you are in the Northeast then rust prevention is #1.1 at this point--just right after the #1 job of the timing belt, but only slightly behind. You could use the bestest of oils but if you do nothing to prevent rust... our climate will eat your car alive. Literally.
Rotella T6 is popular in Subarus, but you can use any 5w30 or 5w40. I have been using Walmart brand Supertech Advanced High Mileage 5w30 in my 98 Forester EJ25D.
Is it an automatic or manual transmission?
If it's a manual transmission, then you must use Motul Gear 300. The manual transmission is shared with the front diff.
The automatic transmission is NOT shared with the front diff. If it's automatic, you can use any Dexron ATF and any 75w90 GL5 gear oil.
The rear diff can use any 75w90 GL5 gear oil.
Do you have rear disc or drum brakes?
Yes, any undercoating oil like Noxudol, Krown, or any other oil-based product. There are many options. There are aerosol cans, as well as regular liquid non-aerosol versions that can be applied with a spray gun or even a regular paint brush. The most important thing is that you do it. If you don't want to do it yourself, there are shops that offer the undercoating service. Krown and Noxudol both have a list of locations on their sites
Also, go to an automatic car wash that does underbody wash soon after the snowfall, and at least 3x a year. It will not wash off the oil spray as long as you don't go the car wash right after spraying
Is it an automatic or manual transmission?
If it's a manual transmission, then you must use Motul Gear 300. The manual transmission is shared with the front diff.
The automatic transmission is NOT shared with the front diff. If it's automatic, you can use any Dexron ATF and any 75w90 GL5 gear oil.
The rear diff can use any 75w90 GL5 gear oil.
Do you have rear disc or drum brakes?
Yes, any undercoating oil like Noxudol, Krown, or any other oil-based product. There are many options. There are aerosol cans, as well as regular liquid non-aerosol versions that can be applied with a spray gun or even a regular paint brush. The most important thing is that you do it. If you don't want to do it yourself, there are shops that offer the undercoating service. Krown and Noxudol both have a list of locations on their sites
Also, go to an automatic car wash that does underbody wash soon after the snowfall, and at least 3x a year. It will not wash off the oil spray as long as you don't go the car wash right after spraying
And the 2.2s don't do the "Subaru clicking thing".
Good point, OP's '95 should be non-interference. What I've been taught was '97 went interference, even in the 2.2.
My buddy's family drives a '97 Legacy 2.2 with automatic. The engine is one giant ball of grease and it's got about 250k mi, but you just can't kill it. But I keep telling him to do the timing belt. They're so broke that buying even a beater is a great hardship for them, so better to keep this alive
Aisin timing belt kit. I run Amsoil Severe Gear in differentials on my 2011 Forester.
For rust proofing, I have found WoolWax to be the best. Thicker than Fluid Film and stays on longer.
For rust proofing, I have found WoolWax to be the best. Thicker than Fluid Film and stays on longer.
NH Coatings does not recommend any undercarriage spray washing once a vehicle is treated with NH Coatings. I doubt other similar products recommend it either.Rotella T6 is popular in Subarus, but you can use any 5w30 or 5w40. I have been using Walmart brand Supertech Advanced High Mileage 5w30 in my 98 Forester EJ25D.
Is it an automatic or manual transmission?
If it's a manual transmission, then you must use Motul Gear 300. The manual transmission is shared with the front diff.
The automatic transmission is NOT shared with the front diff. If it's automatic, you can use any Dexron ATF and any 75w90 GL5 gear oil.
The rear diff can use any 75w90 GL5 gear oil.
Do you have rear disc or drum brakes?
Yes, any undercoating oil like Noxudol, Krown, or any other oil-based product. There are many options. There are aerosol cans, as well as regular liquid non-aerosol versions that can be applied with a spray gun or even a regular paint brush. The most important thing is that you do it. If you don't want to do it yourself, there are shops that offer the undercoating service. Krown and Noxudol both have a list of locations on their sites
Also, go to an automatic car wash that does underbody wash soon after the snowfall, and at least 3x a year. It will not wash off the oil spray as long as you don't go the car wash right after spraying
Maybe a garden hose. But not a pressure spray of any kind.
Krown's FAQ page says it cannot be washed off with soap and water, so therefore you can safely wash the undercarriage without losing your rust protection
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