subaru oil filter question

ernman · 01-26-04, 06:38

I purchased a 2004 subaru outback and was told by a guy at work that I must use subaru oil filters or they will leak from the gasket. I have always used fram filters on my cars without any trouble. Has anyone else ever heard of this???

tom p. · 01-26-04, 08:16

Though FRAM is a huge marketing force, their oil filters are certainly mid-pack.

I don't know what other choices you have for a Japanese car. Aren't there any Subaru forums where you could ask?

kgb · 01-26-04, 08:31

FRAM oil filters suck, just so you know. My partners Dad used Fram on his Civic and found out that the filter was not letting any oil through. Same thing happened to a guy at the local drag strip. I think i you look online you will see a lot of this.

Iconoclast · 01-26-04, 09:26

Time to bust out the bobistheoilguy.com reference. I have an impreza and have no leaks with purolator filters. Oh yeah, and I don't always use a new crush washer either.

ernman · 01-26-04, 10:10

Iconoclast -- Thanks for the info that all that I wanted to know and I am aware of the bobistheoilguy.com web site.

2001civicex -- Thanks for the info but if you read the question it was about non subaru oil filters leaking not who has bad luck with fram.

tom p -- That's a good idea I will have to check on a subaru forum.

TortoiseAWD · 01-27-04, 05:46

Quote:

Originally posted by ernman
I purchased a 2004 subaru outback and was told by a guy at work that I must use subaru oil filters or they will leak from the gasket. I have always used fram filters on my cars without any trouble. Has anyone else ever heard of this???

I use PureOne filters on my WRX, and never had a problem. IIRC, almost all modern Subarus use the same filter size (the PureOne part number is the same for Outbacks, Bajas, Foresters, and Imprezas), so I don't see why the Outback would be different or problematic, especially if the issue is the seal at the gasket.

IMO, your work-mate has been misinformed.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that Subaru uses a crush-washer on the drain plug that should be replaced every time the plug is removed and replaced. If not, the drain plug could leak (although many report being able to re-use the washer several times without issue). The washers are very inexpensive, so you can pick up a couple dozen and be set for the life of your Outback. I remedied the issue of needing the crush washer by swapping my drain plug out with a drain valve from http://www.fumotovalve.com/.

Tort

ernman · 01-27-04, 06:00

That drain valve is cool. I was thinking of putting on that one that is made by fram. Did you look at that one? Is there an adavatage using the one that you have?

emobob · 01-27-04, 06:00

I use pure one in my wrx, I have used a fram but that was because it was all that kmart had. I got the good fram, and it still gets bad reviews and costs twice as much as a pure one. Pure one is supposedly equal to a mobil 1 filter, and its cheap.

I have yet to replace my crush washer...42k miles. You should replace it, its cheap and easy, but if you go a few changes without having one handy its no big deal at all. After an oil change I check for leaks every time I go to my car anyways (as well as checking the oil level frequently), never know what could have gone wrong!

oh I did not have any problems with the fram X2 filter I used.

Just make sure you get the drain back lock feature, as subaru filters come with this and its important. Besides that you can use whatever you want.The cheapest frams do not have this feature!

And by far the best subaru board is www.nasioc.com ...its like my second home!

JohnnyDaJackal · 01-27-04, 08:38

I second what 2001civicex says, Fram oil filters are really made poorly. I just had this argument on my truck forum concerning the best oil filters. 2 of the people work at different auto stores and they said when opening up a Fram compared to others(AC Delco, Motorcraft, Wix) the Fram looked like garbage. It had loosely constructed cardboard at the end of it. I've always liked Fram but lately i noticed a little oil from the bottom of the filter so i guess they would leak a little. I guess I got suckered into Fram's marketing, and didn't realize what I was buying. Same thing wit Pennzoil filters wit the cardboard ends. I now know to stay away from them guess i'll just stick wit AC Delco, but for you ernman, trying finding out what Subaru uses as OEM equipment then give it a try. I've also heard Wix and Napa Gold filters are pretty good. This is just my opinon on the topic and my experiences wit em. If you use Fram/Pennzoil and it works well then continue on.

TortoiseAWD · 01-27-04, 02:10

Quote:

Originally posted by ernman
That drain valve is cool. I was thinking of putting on that one that is made by fram. Did you look at that one? Is there an adavatage using the one that you have?

I've never seen the Fram version, so I can't really say . . .

Tort

tom p. · 01-27-04, 02:18

WIX and Hastings both offer excellent oil filters.

rathi60 · 01-27-04, 03:58

It's true Fram filters are of poor quality. Once I used to be a loyal user of Fram. Delco & Wix filters are havier and better constructed, I prefer them now.