Subaru recommended oil for 2011,why the difference

[Stewart Fan]

Does anyone have some insight as to why Subaru recommends 0w-20 for their 2011 Forester with the 2.5 boxer engine,and 5w30 for the 2011 Outback with the same 2.5 boxer engine?

I bought an '11 Outback this afternoon and was wondering why the difference. The dealer had no idea.

 

[sciphi]

Wasn't there a major redesign of the boxer 4 for the 2011 model year? Or am I thinking of something else?

 

[bodeh6]

Its a different engine the FB25. Which is the first new engine in like 20 years for Subaru
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=439706&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

 

[Lead Shoes]

Maybe to boost the fleet mpg by a small margin to meet CAFE standards??

That or an engine redesign....

 

[Bill in Utah]

NOT the same motor. Not at all. The motor in the 2010 is proven (well other than the head gasket issues) where as the 2011 is not and chain driven.

You can run normal oils in the 2011 but at a shorter interval (which I personally would do as I don't trust the 10k OCI with that long of a chain)...

Bill

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
Wasn't there a major redesign of the boxer 4 for the 2011 model year? Or am I thinking of something else?


Ding! We have the correct answer!

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
NOT the same motor. Not at all. The motor in the 2010 is proven (well other than the head gasket issues) where as the 2011 is not and chain driven.

You can run normal oils in the 2011 but at a shorter interval (which I personally would do as I don't trust the 10k OCI with that long of a chain)...

Bill


Its a 8month/7.5k mile with 0w20 syn oci actually
If anyone is interested I'll do an OAI on mine.
The recommended is (in miles)

3k/3mo , 7.5k/4mo, then every 7.5k/8mo


and yes you are 100% correct not the same motor at all. Not even the same displacement.. but both round to 2.5

 

[webfors]

What bill said!

I would have no problems running a 30 weight in the FB25.

 

[tig1]

If the engine builder says use 0-20 then I would use an oil that meets that spec. They know more than we do.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: tig1
If the engine builder says use 0-20 then I would use an oil that meets that spec. They know more than we do.


but since the OP bought a 2011 Outback.. its the EJ25 engine so 5w30 is specced.

There was some problems with the oil turning into tar during extended drains with the turbo model and conventional.

The NA 2.5 in the outback is fairly easy on oil.

I'd do a few short changes on conventional.. then do the max manufacturer intervals with a cheaper syn. during warranty

 

[Norm Olt]

Originally Posted By: bodeh6
Its a different engine the FB25. Which is the first new engine in like 20 years for Subaru
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=439706&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0


Well, since the 3.3L flat six in the SVX there was the 3.0L flat six & the 2.5L Turbo four's in the Legacy & Forrester, the 3.6L flat six in the Tribeca...

The diesel that hasn't made it here, yet.

Cheers!