The new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek calls for 0w-16.

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Sure, engineers know best and all that…
If you're curious what the engineers that built the engine would recommend, try finding Subaru Japan's recommendation. Still, not directly from the "engineers" but closer than an SoA recommendation.

I would expect them to allow a range of oil grades which is the case for most models. The FA24DIT has always only specced 0W-20 in the U.S., even in the new WRX, but in Japan the WRX owner's manual lists 0W-20, 5W-30, and Euro 0W-30.

I tried finding the JDM Crosstek/XV manual but it looks like they've recently changed the manuals on-line and I couldn't find the info.
 
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Who cares how much R&D money the OEMs have spent, you shouldn’t fall for their watered down COFFEE conspiracies and should run the thickest and most safest oil you can find.
 
Some Subaru models with FA or FB engines have oil coolers that work pretty well (though maybe just the turbo FA models?), and some models have oil temperature sensors that can help determine if a thicker grade of oil is really warranted.

I would expect them to allow a range of oil grades which is the case for most models. The FA24DIT has always only specced 0W-20 in the U.S., even in the new WRX, but in Japan the WRX owner's manual lists 0W-20, 5W-30, and Euro 0W-30.

I tried finding the JDM Crosstek/XV manual but it looks like they've recently changed the manuals on-line and I couldn't find the info.
I've been wondering if there were any real design changes made for the FA24 that were meant to facilitate the use of a thinner grade, or if they just decided to test and validate the thinner oil with the engine design largely unchanged. The journal bearing specs seem unchanged between the FA20 and FA24, with the turbo FA20 spec'ing 5W-30. Not sure if there are any other significant design changes to the oil pump, oil cooler, or pistons or anything that would affect the appropriate oil grade. I haven't been able find a service manual for any model with an FA24.
 
Some Subaru models with FA or FB engines have oil coolers that work pretty well (though maybe just the turbo FA models?), and some models have oil temperature sensors that can help determine if a thicker grade of oil is really warranted.


I've been wondering if there were any real design changes made for the FA24 that were meant to facilitate the use of a thinner grade, or if they just decided to test and validate the thinner oil with the engine design largely unchanged. The journal bearing specs seem unchanged between the FA20 and FA24, with the turbo FA20 spec'ing 5W-30. Not sure if there are any other significant design changes to the oil pump, oil cooler, or pistons or anything that would affect the appropriate oil grade. I haven't been able find a service manual for any model with an FA24.
A bit goofy, but this is an older video on the FA24DIT that talks about the strengths of the FA24 when it was thought that this would be the replacement engine for the STI.

Not sure about bearing clearances, but basically it is a stronger engine than the FA20.

 
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Who cares how much R&D money the OEMs have spent, you shouldn’t fall for their watered down COFFEE conspiracies and should run the thickest and most safest oil you can find.
Research and development is involved when choosing an oil grade?

Ford must have missed that memo with the first gen ecoboost engines that originally specd a 5w20 and went back to a 5w30.
 
Is there a loophole in the manual that allows a thicker oil when the vehicle is used in extreme conditions or for towing?

Our 4Runner calls for a 0w20. I use a 5w30.
 
Research and development is involved when choosing an oil grade?

Ford must have missed that memo with the first gen ecoboost engines that originally specd a 5w20 and went back to a 5w30.
Ford also recently went from 5W-20 to 5W-30 on the 5.0L Coyote V8. Nothing to do with "bearing clearances" which have basically been the same for decades on engines, but more to do with increasing engine protection, while loosing CAFE credits.
 
I’ve had a 2015 Crosstrek for about 8 years and have always used 0w-20, but always contemplating going with 5w-30. Now Subaru recommends 0w-16 for 2024.

I’m in South Florida full time. Would you use their recommendation of 0w-16 or stick with 0w-20?

Sure, engineers know best and all that…

Thanks.
10w30 in south Florida and never think twice about it.
 
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