Following WRX Bob's problems with a franchised dealer yesterday, I've been in touch with IM's technical department this PM about oil grades.

According to one of their technical guys (John Baker), the only oils that are recommended by IM for the 2.0 turbos (including MY01 and MY02 WRX) are the SAE 10W-30 and SAE 10W-40.

An official bulletin dated the 27th January 1999 (number 1-1B-015 in case your dealer needs it), "using a SAE 5W-30 or lower viscosity for the turbo models is not recommended....".

I've advised the dealer in question, Bob, which says that they were unaware of the bulletin, but have already spoken to their oil suppliers, who had assured the dealers that the oil they were supplying was acceptable for turbo Scoobies. Apparently, the supplier is shipping out fresh supplies of the correct grades for Monday.

You have been warned....

 

!!!!

 

I'll be going round there first thing Monday to demand a refund.

The least I want is the cost of the oil back. If they try to wriggle out of it there is going to be one hell of an argument [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]

BOB

PS. They've lost 2 customers to TSL this week...me and my mate

 

Holy Shmoly!
Shouldn't the dealers know what grade is preferred and be sourcing that from their oil suppliers, rather than rely on some sales rep trying to offload his excess stock of 5W/30?

 

Yup, I got John Baker at IM to fax me a copy of the bulletin, and then faxed it over to the dealers. They then rang IM to sort it out. If anyone wants, I can fax the bulletin over.

 

To add to the confusion, I've just checked with Alain Knockaert in Belgium where we got the MY02 WRX from, and his reply is:-

"The Subaru service manual say 5W30 API classification : SJ or SH. But, we use 5W50 Full synthetic oil API classification SG."

And, WRXBob tells me that Trouser uses Silkolene PRO-S 10W/50. My money's on this or the 5W50.

Any more thoughts guys?

 

Mine (WRX grey import) is running on silkolene pro-s as it was serviced by TSL. I think scoobysport recommend this oil as well. As I havent got a Subaru warranty to worry about I am not bothered what IM say . The dealers only use to put in Shell Helix in my MY98 UK.

[Edited by chrisp - 3/15/2002 8:39:33 PM]

 

In Finland dealers seem to be using Shell Helix 5W-40 fully synthetic... is this ok then?

BTW, almost 9500km now on MY02 and the car is beginning to work _very_ nicely! More power, more precise gear changing.

Also, when we had 25-30 degrees celsius below zero in the winter the car was flying does anyone have any info on the bhp rise because of cold air?

 

Hi MY2009 - guess from the specs that 5W40 would be fine

 

Pro S Silkolene is approved for use by Subaru.

Listers checked when I turned up with some .

 

Harry -B
Is what I would love to know is why the comment is "IM Group dont recommend"? Is this a Subaru/FHI manufacturer bulletin? I would be extremely interested to know because the manual on my UK300 states 5w-30 FS is fine. If this oil is detrimental to the longevity of the engine or may cause damage as a result of its use then Subaru (IM Group as their UK importers) should advise ALL owners who are affected. Personally I cannot see where the turbo models would have a problem with a 5w-30 grade, the extreme temerature and breakdown of the oil would be the only reason to be concerned but the oil companies (chemical engineers) who design these are fully aware of the requirements and they are made to operate at those temperatures and environments. If it meets the SAE standards then it makes not a jot difference whether it is FS, SS, or Mineral based. The most demanding requirement for an oil is where it reaches critically high temperatures and shares a common sump with a gearbox (lotta load). Also to consider is life expectancy of the oil. If Sub/FHI have just moved from 7,500 mile to 10k mile service intervals, maybe they are worried about that?

Maybe some defintive answers from IM Group are in order, and maybe FHI Japan. Will try and find out!
Dave

 

Someone should speak to turbo technics as I think they do not recommend usinnd "runny" oil in their hybrid turbos. I think it is because the turbo brearings need prefer thcker oil to spin in. Obviously this is especially relavent with increased boost due to increased heat...