In between the 6 month service, I want to do additional oil changes. I presume the oil filter is underneath as I cannot see it from anywhere in the engine bay. Where exactly is it and is it easy to get to/remove?

Any comments appreciated

ernie,

Assuming you've got an Impreza :

The oil change is simple as it can get. To make it simpler use one of those chain tools from halfords to get the old filter off. Costs £3 ish

Make sure you use the correct size socket for the sump plug. Just jack the front of the car up a little and after draining oil remove filter which is on RHS as you're looking at the car from the front. Drop the car back down for a few mins to make sure all oil has drained. Then jack it back up again, refit sump plug with new gasket, fit the new filter (after placing a thin layer of oil on filter rubber gasket) hand tighten only.

Do not overfill when you fill the oil back up. Put it in slowly. Around 3/4 up the dipstick should do the trick.

Have fun,

Gethin.
p.s. Make sure there's no holes in the bucket you use like I had...what a mess!!!

Thanks Gethin, and yes, I have an Impreza (UK MY00 Turbo). What size is the sump plug and do you need to remove any inspection panels to get to the filter? When looking from above down below the radiator there seems to be a wide panel. Is this just to protect the manifold?

Thanks again

Off hand can't remember the mm size for the socket required. Anyone else know? I'll check for you Saturday if nobody replies. There are no panels or sump guards to remove, simple access. The sump plug should be the same size for my WRX as your UK car...but i'm not 100% sure !

Gethin.

I change my Oil every 3000 miles regardless, bit excessive but wasting a few quid on oil is a lot cheaper then a new engine!!

When changing the filter after putting some oil on the gasket dont forget to 3/4 fill the filter with oil before refitting it, little messy but better in the long run, no short supply of oil when the filter is filling up !!! Use good Oil as well

Cheers

Where do you guys get your filters from and are the early WRX ones the same as UK spec ones?

Ta http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

Weav'

The filters are the same as the UK ones. I get mine from DRJ Motors Carmarthen for £12 01267 221789. Make sure you use genuine Subaru ones.

How about the oil? Where can I get the Mobil One blended for Impreza's (ie not the really thin stuff) and how much is it? What is the oil capacity?

Thanks

Just a quickie.......Surely modern oil is designed to last more than 3000 miles even if you think your Aryrton Senna......I read somewhere that changing your oil too frequently is actually bad for you car!!! This is because when you first start up a car after changing the oil, all the oil has drained from the important places!!! Im probably wrong (usually am). IMHO http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/redface.gif

Ernie,
plug socket size is 17mm.
I had to use a jack to break the plug free-impossible to get adequate leverage if car not on lift.

IMPORTANT - Make sure that you completely fill the oil filter with oil before fitting, allowing time for the filter to soak up the oil.

The reason for this is that a) the engine has a supply of oil without waiting for the filter to prime. (Good for the engine) and b) that it is possible for the ECU to notice the lack of oil pressure and lock the ignition in the fully retarded position, resulting in a check engine light, and a visit to your dealer. Good for me, bad for you!!

It should take 4.5 liters of oil, and the filter is part no - 15208AA060

If you need any more help, let me know,

David

Thanks for all the info chaps!!!!!