2015 WRX Used Oil Analysis Thread

[wiUFsh]

Post your 2015+ WRX UOAs here!

User yousaid has put together a great post of links that contain UOAs in this thread: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...postcount=2749

User hotdog has built a spreadsheet of common oils used in the 2015+ WRX as well as the before and after viscosities of the oils sampled in this thread: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...tGl9Cg/pubhtml

Thank you guys!

Since the FA20DIT is brand new to the 2015+ WRX I figured this would be a start to finding out what is the best oil to use in this car. STIs, we already know too much about you so please keep this a non-STi thread.

About the engine during this interval...

This is the break in factory fill. I kept the RPMs under 4,000 RPM for the first 900 miles and then did random WOT pulls to about 5,500 RPM for the rest of the miles along with other normal daily driving. In consideration for the known DIT fuel dilution issues, I let the car idle on cold starts until the RPMs settled to about 1,500 and not any longer. I drove it nice and easy until the oil temp reached about 190 degrees F. My commute to work is short so I made it a point to drive the car until the oil was warmed all the way up (about 200-207 degrees F) and then some extra driving before I turned the car off. This sample was taken warm after about 20 minutes of highway driving. Even though I had a very strong fuel smell when changing this oil, the fuel percentage came out <0.5%. Other than the cSt Visocsity being in the 20 weight oil range (which seems normal for the factory fill based on what I've seen) the rest of it looks pretty standard for an engine that's breaking in. I'm very satisfied with the results.

I replaced this fill with 5.4 quarts of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 and an OEM filter. I will be doing another analysis on the Pennzoil after about another 2000 miles.

http://i.imgur.com/xtybfE9.jpg

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[geeman789]

Originally Posted by wiUFsh

Post your 2015 WRX UOAs here! Since the FA20DIT is brand new to the 2015 WRX I figured this would be a start to finding out what is the best oil to use in this car. STIs, we already know too much about you already. About the engine during this interval... This is the break in factory fill. I kept the RPMs under 4,000 RPM for the first 900 miles and then did random WOT pulls to about 5,500 RPM for the rest of the miles along with other normal daily driving. In consideration for the known DIT fuel dilution issues, I let the car idle on cold starts until the RPMs settled to about 1,500 and not any longer. I drove it nice and easy until the oil temp reached about 190 degrees F. My commute to work is short so I made it a point to drive the car until the oil was warmed all the way up (about 200-207 degrees F) and then some extra driving before I turned the car off. This sample was taken warm after about 20 minutes of highway driving. Even though I had a very strong fuel smell when changing this oil, the fuel percentage came out <0.5%. Other than the cSt Visocsity being in the 20 weight oil range (which seems normal for the factory fill based on what I've seen) the rest of it looks pretty standard for an engine that's breaking in. I'm very satisfied with the results. I replaced this fill with 5.4 quarts of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 and an OEM filter. I will be doing another analysis on the Pennzoil after about another 2000 miles.

Wow. The viscosity is mid 20 grade.

And is that after just a 1k miles...?

I wonder why SUBARU is ok with this... ?

[spud]

For the noobs can u explain what I'm looking at?

[geeman789]

Originally Posted by spud

For the noobs can u explain what I'm looking at?

The poster has taken a sample of their oil, and sent it in to be analyzed.

The chart shows the results.

Engines are made of various kinds of metals. Iron cams, bearings of various alloys, copper oil coolers etc. If the oil is doing it's job , very little of these metals should be found in the oil. There will always be some... these measurements are typically in parts per million. You want to run analysis back to back to back to see of there is a trend... if something is creeping up or spikes, that might be a problem...

Also notice that phosphorous, calcium and zinc are very high. These are anti- wear ingredients in the oil, and are really for info purposes only, or comparison between oils...

Also shown are viscosity, fuel , TBN (total base number...) etc.

These show how the oil is doing. In this case, the viscosity of the factory fill 30 grade oil has dropped from a normal 9 to 12 cSt ( a measure of thickness) all the way into the sevens ( mid-range for a 20 grade) The oil has thinned substantially. Is that a problem...? Maybe, maybe not, but it would be preferable to see little or no drop. Fuel % shows if fuel is in oil. Less is better. Lots of idling, especially in winter, or direct injection cars, or overly rich fuel maps may show higher levels. Fuel will also thin out the oil.

TBN is a measure of how resistant to acidity the oil is. Combustion by-products, and water can create acidic substances in the oil, which will corrode the engine internally. If TBN is below 1 , the oil is used up in regards to acidity protection. M1 0w40, for example, starts up at around 11, I believe. This is one of the key factors in how long an oil can be used.

So, you are looking at a VERY basic snapshot of engine, and more specifically, oil condition.

This is a simplified explanation, but you get the basic picture...

[Redeemed77]

Great data! Thanks!

[diet]

Awesome. Hopefully we'll get some good insights in this thread.


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[x SLYC x]

Subscribed. Interested to see what kind of results different oil types come back with. Thanks.

[wiUFsh]

geeman789, that explanation was outstanding!

I am hoping for better viscosity results next time with the 5W-30 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. I have seen UOAs where it will maintain a 30 weight viscosity but it wasn't in the FA20DIT for the 2015 WRX.

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted by wiUFsh

geeman789, that explanation was outstanding!



I am hoping for better viscosity results next time with the 5W-30 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. I have seen UOAs where it will maintain a 30 weight viscosity but it wasn't in the FA20DIT for the 2015 WRX.

It's possible for PU 5W-30 to remain a 30 grade, but don't hold your breath. I know there was a nice trend from a stock WRX (mainly highway mileage) a while ago with PU 5W-30 staying in grade. This is from an EJ engine:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums..._2#Post3442654

Your best shot of any 5W-30 oil remaining in grade is to use a Euro xW-30 or adding a couple of quarts of PU 5W-40. Over time, oil can actually thicken back up but the only way to see this is uoa's every 1k miles without adding oil to replenish the sample. The highway driven WRX I'm referring to above did ~7,500 mile oci's.

I don't think I've ever seen a factory fill "5W-30" Subaru uoa come back as a 30 grade (even in an N/A Outback). I suspect the oil is an extremely light 30 grade or thick 20 grade.

-Dennis


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[pbawesome]

Thanks for the data, I'm going to start using Rotella T6 with OEM filter on my second change.

[wiUFsh]

Originally Posted by pbawesome

Thanks for the data, I'm going to start using Rotella T6 with OEM filter on my second change.

I hope you don't intend to put T6 in a 2015 WRX based on the STi EJ engine data. Unless of course you have an STi. This is a non-STi thread.

[wiUFsh]

Originally Posted by bluesubie

It's possible for PU 5W-30 to remain a 30 grade, but don't hold your breath. I know there was a nice trend from a stock WRX (mainly highway mileage) a while ago with PU 5W-30 staying in grade. This is from an EJ engine:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums..._2#Post3442654

Your best shot of any 5W-30 oil remaining in grade is to use a Euro xW-30 or adding a couple of quarts of PU 5W-40. Over time, oil can actually thicken back up but the only way to see this is uoa's every 1k miles without adding oil to replenish the sample. The highway driven WRX I'm referring to above did ~7,500 mile oci's.

I don't think I've ever seen a factory fill "5W-30" Subaru uoa come back as a 30 grade (even in an N/A Outback). I suspect the oil is an extremely light 30 grade or thick 20 grade.

-Dennis


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

For now, I will not run with Euro since the viscosity is higher than whats recommended. The Ultra Platinum Euro is a 5W-40 and has a cSt viscosity of 13.2; much higher than a 30 weight. Like I said, I have seen the Ultra Platinum work in a N/A engine so I'm giving it a chance in this new engine. I can't find the UOA that shows that at the moment.

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted by wiUFsh

For now, I will not run with Euro since the viscosity is higher than whats recommended. The Ultra Platinum Euro is a 5W-40 and has a cSt viscosity of 13.2; much higher than a 30 weight. Like I said, I have seen the Ultra Platinum work in a N/A engine so I'm giving it a chance in this new engine. I can't find the UOA that shows that at the moment.

Actually, the 2015 WRX manual also still states that thicker oil is required in hot temps to properly lubricate the engine. 5W-40 is also allowed for replenishment. 13.2 cSt's considered a light 40 grade viscosity and Euro xW-30's are ~12.2 cSt's at 100C. PU 5W-40 typically shears to a 30 grade in severe conditions.

-Dennis


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[Minioner]

Originally Posted by bluesubie

Actually, the 2015 WRX manual also still states that thicker oil is required in hot temps to properly lubricate the engine. 5W-40 is also allowed for replenishment. 13.2 cSt's considered a light 40 grade viscosity and Euro xW-30's are ~12.2 cSt's at 100C. PU 5W-40 typically shears to a 30 grade in severe conditions.

-Dennis


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

I thought it said that 5w-40 was ok for topping off, but to replace it with 5w-30 at the next oil change.

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted by Minioner

I thought it said that 5w-40 was ok for topping off, but to replace it with 5w-30 at the next oil change.

Correct for the Specifications section. The Maintenance and service section has the comment I am referring to.
See 11-15:

http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/765...14ASTIS_17.pdf

Not that the owner's manual is supposed to make sense or anything.

-Dennis


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[sgoldste01]

Are any of you 2015+ WRX owners seeing the oil consumption that some (not all, including me) of the 2012+ NA Impreza owners are seeing?

[wiUFsh]

Originally Posted by bluesubie

Correct for the Specifications section. The Maintenance and service section has the comment I am referring to.
See 11-15:

http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/765...14ASTIS_17.pdf

Not that the owner's manual is supposed to make sense or anything.

-Dennis


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

Are you referring to this note on 11-15?

"NOTE: Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide better fuel economy. However, in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine."

I ask you then.. What classifies as "hotter" weather? I can see if you're tracking your car you'd probably consider putting in 5W-40 but unless I see oil temps that go much higher than they are now I will not use anything other than 5W-30 until these UOAs tell me otherwise.

And yes, the manual specifically states that 5W-30 is the recommended viscosity but 5W-40 is allowed for replenishment.

[geeman789]

Originally Posted by bluesubie

Correct for the Specifications section. The Maintenance and service section has the comment I am referring to. See 11-15: http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/765...14ASTIS_17.pdf Not that the owner's manual is supposed to make sense or anything. -Dennis Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

It is my understanding that because of CAFE, a manufacturer is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED from recommending any oil grade other than that used for the actual mileage testing. Hence the very vague higher viscosity in hot weather... note in the manual.

A case of " read between the lines..."

My 2011 manual, however, CLEARLY states thicker oil for hot / heavy-duty use... 5/10w30 for normal, coolish conditions, 5/10w40 for hotter conditions, and up to 20w50 for desert or extreme use.

They used to say it, now they kind of dance around it a little...

[quantum13]

interesting point; worth considering. might not be crazy to run 40w in Texas.

that said - lets please not let this turn into your typical oil thread

i can just see where this is going... before long someone is going to start talking about rotella t6 and gear oil cocktails...haha

[wiUFsh]

Yes. Let's keep this civilized.

Anybody else have a 2015 WRX oil analysis? It doesn't have to be your car but maybe one you found. And please, keep the STi junk out of this thread. There is way too much out there already.

[geeman789]

Originally Posted by quantum13

interesting point; worth considering. might not be crazy to run 40w in Texas. that said - lets please not let this turn into your typical oil thread i can just see where this is going... before long someone is going to start talking about rotella t6 and gear oil cocktails...haha

Yeahh, THAT GUY...!

And funny you mention Rotella T6, thats what I run...! In a 2011 WRX HB however, and mainly because I got a few jugs for cheap at a FARM supply store...!

I just wonder about the new engine... timing chain, turbo and DI injection... those all suggest that maybe a thicker oil MIGHT be in order...?

Or not... maybe just shorter change intervals...?

[quantum13]

im sending my UOA on the factory fill off this weekend...so i'll have one eventually

[jjunior887]

Originally Posted by sgoldste01

Are any of you 2015+ WRX owners seeing the oil consumption that some (not all, including me) of the 2012+ NA Impreza owners are seeing?

One oil change at around 3200 miles and I am just over 6k with no signs of oil consumption yet. This is using Subaru's 5w30 and OEM filters(I know it's not their oil but you get the point.)

I have every intention of switching from the super thin 5w30 but I'm still on the fence on what to go with.

Most of my driving is highway. 30+ mile each way to work with low to moderate traffic. No racing. I've used t6 in my last 2 subies (both stage 2 STIs) so I have some laying around that might go in very soon.

Edit: btw, for you guys that haven't been around a while, US helped us a lot back in the day with that cocktail. I had an 02 WRX with several tranny issues that the "cocktail" helped tremendously.

I know a lot of what he posts in General pisses a lot of noobs off but he's made huge contributions to the Subaru community in the past. Maybe try looking into his posts in the technical forums, you might learn something.

[quantum13]

i have learned alot from those threads; its just that they turn into pissing contests and i guess i had hoped that wouldn't happen here since the idea is for this thread to be a place to post and compare UOAs...i think US probably knows what he's talking about; but he has no concept of how to bring people over into his camp. how information is delivered is just as important as the content.

all that aside, this is a new motor for us. recommending what worked in the past for this new application is silly (throw some rotella in there bro - or mobil 1 sucks, etc - yes we've heard it all before). so in a way, we get to figure it out all over again; maybe these UOAs will help us do that

[spud]

Originally Posted by geeman789

The poster has taken a sample of their oil, and sent it in to be analyzed.

The chart shows the results.

Engines are made of various kinds of metals. Iron cams, bearings of various alloys, copper oil coolers etc. If the oil is doing it's job , very little of these metals should be found in the oil. There will always be some... these measurements are typically in parts per million. You want to run analysis back to back to back to see of there is a trend... if something is creeping up or spikes, that might be a problem...

Also notice that phosphorous, calcium and zinc are very high. These are anti- wear ingredients in the oil, and are really for info purposes only, or comparison between oils...

Also shown are viscosity, fuel , TBN (total base number...) etc.

These show how the oil is doing. In this case, the viscosity of the factory fill 30 grade oil has dropped from a normal 9 to 12 cSt ( a measure of thickness) all the way into the sevens ( mid-range for a 20 grade) The oil has thinned substantially. Is that a problem...? Maybe, maybe not, but it would be preferable to see little or no drop. Fuel % shows if fuel is in oil. Less is better. Lots of idling, especially in winter, or direct injection cars, or overly rich fuel maps may show higher levels. Fuel will also thin out the oil.

TBN is a measure of how resistant to acidity the oil is. Combustion by-products, and water can create acidic substances in the oil, which will corrode the engine internally. If TBN is below 1 , the oil is used up in regards to acidity protection. M1 0w40, for example, starts up at around 11, I believe. This is one of the key factors in how long an oil can be used.

So, you are looking at a VERY basic snapshot of engine, and more specifically, oil condition.

This is a simplified explanation, but you get the basic picture...

Sir. If this was reddit, I would give you gold.

Thanks for the time and effort to type that out.

Learned a lot.