I’ve been a mechanic for 47 years. I did this same thing years ago trying to find the best filter for my customers. I was very shocked at how terrible Fran filters are. They are such a well known filter that is absolutely JUNK as you’ve proved. I can’t stress this enough to people how critical this is. Keep up the great videos and I hope a lot of people will listen to the truth you speak. Thanks
I absolutely agree. However, the Fram Ultra is one of the best filters on that market that is readily available on the shelf. I would venture to say they are as good or better than the Tokyo Roki filters.
@@cpftank09 I run the fram titanium and run the Tokyo Roki filters on my frs. You won’t see any cardboard end caps on the Fram Ultra or titanium. The orange can Fram filters are what they are a cheap bargain filter meant to be changed at 3000 miles. It will get you by but it isn’t anything special. Run the Tokyo Roki, wix, Mobil one, Bosch or Fram Titanium. It’s a roll of the dice running a cheap filter it could be okay or it could prematurely ruin your engine.
@@brianeighties4481 exactly. I’ve seen the cut away of the titanium and it’s impressive, looks like the “old” Ultra. But the Ultra is almost half the price and I doubt Fram made it worse when they revised it recently.
@@erickamekonapeper4007 I haven’t seen any filtration tests to indicate that the Tokyo Roku is any good. Yet there independent filtration tests on the Fram Ultra and it has some of the best filtration and flow rates out there. Wiz is good too, but not available everywhere.
Something to mention on bypass valve, WIX is the ONLY oil filter to my knowledge that specifies the bypass valve pressure, and its identical to what subaru requests.
The "emergency" filter is nice. I hope they keep that one. I'm using the lower profile wider filter for the STI on my 23 Outback. At least that's what my dealer put on when I asked them for the Japanese filter equivalent.
The USA made Subaru filter is also the same as the typical 15400-PLM-A02 Honda oil filter and we don’t seem to have an issue with getting them yet. However if you have want a Japanese made Honda oil filter that’ll work on your Subaru, Mahle makes the Honda 15400-RTA-003 oil filter. Nissan also makes Japanese made oil filters that’ll also work with your Subaru. You’ll notice no difference using any of these!
I went down this rabbit hole years ago trying to find a good quality filter. Oddly after HOURS of comparing datasheets and reading all witch way of forum posts I also discovered the Mazda filter as a direct fit replacement. Now granted all mine are EJ engines but as I recall the specs match close enough that it works out alright. My local Mazda dealer needless to say was incredibly surprised when I told them these are also Subaru filters in the JDM.
@@dwendt44 that's not a problem for the EJ-series engine since the filter is mounted on the bottom. It would not be recommended to grab a Mazda filter on newer FA-series of engine.
I’d advise against this, the bypass valve and it’s spring will probably be a much different pressure and spec required to activate them compared to the one for your vehicle.
I own a shop that rarely works on anything other than European cars, but I do deal with filter failures a lot. What I can say is you guys are looking at quality criteria that may not really matter. One of my favorite brands , and an OE brand for BMW and Benz uses foam end caps ! I'm not sure the end caps made by fram would be a problem. I guess to test it, you could throw it in boiling water for a few hours and see what comes out? Most of the cars I deal with use insert type filters, and failure is readily seen during service. A very common failure is of filter media collapse due to improper filter media manufacture. The media, is (I believe) cellulose base soaked with resin(?) and after a while operating in the engine, absorbs some moisture. The cell fibers swell and stop flowing oil. Long service intervals made possible by synthetic oil and winter operation aggravate the problem. I've seen this fault on filters that come in from a cars serviced with "STP"( had "made in USA on it), NAPA Gold, Service champ(?), and unbranded "made in China" filters. I have saved examples to prove it. I have had customers towed in with sized engines from this. 5 in the last ten years, but more than a dozen filters in that time from a wide range of cars. This includes a Napa gold that I bought last year for a Volvo V70 , and the next time the car was in for service, the oil filter was obviously affected. Instead of having straight sides, the filter looks like an hourglass shape that I typically see from this type of failure. To the credit of the Napa store I bought it from, the owner took pictures and got on the phone right then and made the right people aware of it. Now I stick with Mann, Mahle, Hengst, or Kencht (Purolator, now made by Mahle) . No doubt there are other good brands. Just not for me.
Hi Mr. Subaru, I have a 2008 Outback that I bought while living in Montana. I went to the local NAPA store to get an oil filter (no Subaru dealer within 100 miles). The owners are huge Subaru fans and told me that the NAPA gold 1334 filter (made by Wix) is much better than the 1/2 a beer can size stock filter. They explained that the relief valve pressure (bypass valve and values) are the same - as is the threading, oil passages and fitment. That was in 2014. I've been using them ever since and have had no issues whatsoever. The NAPA gold 1334 filter is quite a bit larger but it really isn't any big deal. Thank you for your time, Doug
looks like same application as the Purolator 14459! spin on that's listed for basically all the Kia/Hyundai engines that don't use cartridges, some of the STIs, and a couple of the old DOHC timing belt hondas :)
Wish I saw these earlier, I bulk bought the Made in USA version, and used it on 2 oil changes. I just ordered the Mazda version. Thank you. Mr. Subaru.
The Mazda RX-8 oil filters are black Mazda-branded Tokyo Roki units not too different from the Subaru 15208AA160. It supposedly has the same bypass valve spec.
In my country (Chile), is easy to buy the black one filter. Last week I did the 275,000 km oil change with the black filter that I have always used, but the blue filters began to appear since few years ago. Since I saw your first filter analysis and comparison video, the blue ones have rejected me.
The pressure release valve being stiffer in the made in Japan Subaru oil filter has a function. It keeps one side of the Subaru boxer engine from starving for oil while in high speed cornering and tight cornering situations.
After watching your original oil filter comparisons, I went online and purchased the good stuff from Amayama. Great price, fast delivery. Recently I needed more filters, and again Amayama to the rescue. Not only were these replacements Japanese spec'd, but even with the added shipping from the UAE, three filters were cheaper then going to my local dealer and getting one crap USA made filter. Thanks again for the great info.
Careful. The higher bypass pressure means it may not be opening during cold starts. I say may because I don't know how much higher the pressure rating is on the filter you are using. Are you monitoring oil pressure at start?
I just did my oil change today on my 22 outback. Went to Napa and they didn't have the 7055 gold filter. Went down the road to the subaru dealer and the new filter with crush washer was cheaper than the napa filter 😮
That new filter is the same as any "budget" filter from all the big brands. They all come from the same factory from what I recall. Metal end caps with ribbed plastic core and same basic filtration media. Great filters when picked up at Walmart for $3.50 in their ST oil filter line.
The interim filter is definitely an "e-core" design made by Champion Labs. They make filters for AC Delco and a number of private labels including including SuperTech (Walmart). While I prefer WIX and Purolator One, I have no qualms grabbing a SuperTech filter in a pinch. They're cheap, yet still far better made than Fram.
@@C5Z06CarGuy Fram purchased Champ a number of years ago. But filters sold under the Fram label are still the same awful design with the cardboard end caps, while the Champ made ones retain the e-core style. You would think Fram would incorporate some of Champ's technology into their product, as Champ has obviously figured out how to create a quality product at a bargain price point. Yet they don't. I can only surmise that Fram's crappy design is even cheaper to produce than the e-core, while millions still buy their products anyway because its a "brand name". Why screw with a profitable formula like that?
I'm new to Subaru. I have purchased a 2012 Forester last year for my son to drive. I had my mechanic go through the car and do an oil change right after I got it. I've done the next oil change myself. Now that I've seen these videos, I'm going to check what filter the parts store provided me. I noted it was taller than the one I removed. Thanks for these videos.
Just a heads up for half the price you can buy a Walmart filter and it's the same thing.. Purolator boss Menards sells them they are made by wixs XP it is the older stock they are all made in the USA if they are not made in the USA don't buy them a lot of wix filters are now not made in the USA they are junk
Me too or Purolator boss pbl14615 or AFE part #44-lf017 I usually change my oil filter every 12,000 miles but my oil every 4k. 07 Forester with a manual transmission. I have 172k on it. & Stock everything. Best regular car I ever owned.
Just got my oil and filter changed at my local Subaru dealer and noticed that they used the new version. I was a bit concerned that it might be a cheap knock off, but after watching your video I would say it's as good or better than the old style.
The "emergency" filters appear to be made by Champion Labs, which is ACDelco's supplier. The color also looks similar to ACDelco blue, and the stamping on top also matches ACDelco filters as well, so likely they are buying from Champ Labs and are being sent Delco filters without the GM label.
Dunno if it's just the camera angle... but the cardboard end caps on the original USA filter look so close to the sides of the can id say thats your biggest flow restriction right there. The oil coming in has to squeeze through, what appears to be less then a 32nd of an inch gap to reach the filter media on the sides. The bypass oil (should the bypass open due to restricted filter or cold weather) has to be forced past both the top and bottom end plates though that tiny gap.
Mazda did acquire Subaru (before it was acquired by Toyota) so It makes sense they might have similar oil filter (and other products). This is great information. Thank you.
Wow, the replacement filter is better, interesting. The new filter is made by champion labs, they hold the license for the plastic core design, and yes they make filters for ACdelco. That design is know as the ECore.
Great video. Very informative. When you take the used cartridges out, pulling out the cellulose filtering media could show how much, if any, garbage gets caught...
FWIW, when my 1999 OBW was new, the Subaru oil filters that came on the car, and from the dealer were made by Purolator and said both Subaru and Purolator on them. I have been using Purolator filters in it almost exclusively. I still drive it.
Although I don't own any import vehicles.... I do keep track of Oil Filter designs and quality........ Baldwin/Hastings and Wix are usually to top-tier that can be easily sourced in my area.
Super good information. The dealership put a Napa filter on my 18 Crosstrek and I wanted to get the facts before confronting them. I get the filter shortage but they didn't say anything to me about it or charging me full price for an alternative filter
Another great video, Mr Subaru. I will do my best to find Japan or Mazda filter for the FB series engine in my 2019 Crosstrek. I really love your channel. It this kind of content that makes me glad that TH-cam exists...LOL Keep up the excellent work.
38 years a Subaru tech and shop owner. within some reason oil filters and oil brand don't matter that much. We build tons of 2.5 turbo and non turbo engines and what kills Subarus is low oil and/or too long of change intervals. Keep it full to the line and change it 3500 to 4500 miles if you want to get high miles out it. 99.9% of all engines we build have 1 or more failed rod bearings this starts from running with low oil and long change intervals.
i work in the parts department at my Nissan dealership and our subaru branch ordered 120 filters from us because they apparently work with them, our nissan filters work with most hondas and acura’s, i use them on my acura.
14:13 the perforated inner brace/support appears to have vastly different hole count. minor difference likely in OEM spec and they're both better than US filter but maybe not an exact rebadge/print
My '23 Crosstrek 2.0 liter came with the 15208AA160, and I just bought a half-dozen on eBay. The filters are not fully wrapped but the end wrap does not have the hole through it, and it doesn't cling like shrinkwrap over the end of the filter. The part number on the box is printed, not a sticker, but in the upper right corner of the label it says _FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD_ instead of _SUBARU CORPORATION._ The sides of the box have the six-star logo and the text _SUBARU GENUINE PARTS_ and the side opposite the part number has a picture of a filter, the six-star, and the text _SUBARU._ The word _ENGINE_ is not printed on the end of the filters, but neither is it printed on the original equipment filter in the car. The box is closed with a single drop of glue, not an array of dots. The gasket has a square edge profile instead of an O-ring. Counterfeit?
I have used Premium Spin-On Engine Oil Filters by Bosch on my 2013 Subaru. Seems to be doing fine as they are pretty good quality filters I have used in my past on other cars.
I met a guy once that sold replacement filters that did not use paper media or bypass valves. He used a fine stainless mesh. It was user serviceable. You could tale it apart, wash out the mesh and reassemble it. While I have my doubts that it filters down to the level of paper media, it seems the ultimate filter would be a combination. A washable stainless mesh with a replaceable paper media behind it. You would then need a bypass for the paper media at startup. Most people don't realize that a paper media won't flow any oil when it's cold. It goes to full bypass, which filters nothing during this time. It would be good to have the stainless mesh in place for this. I also believe that Subaru is reducing the effectiveness of the filters by mounting them upside down. Gravity helps keep the particles in the filter once they are captured. The fact that it has to bypass at startup means that large amounts of particles can escape the filter at once.
If people are looking to buy the OEM Black Tokyo-Roki filters, I recommend US based resellers Import Image Racing (IIR) and Subiemods. IIR is where I get the Oil Change Kit for my 2022 WRX and I've no complaints on price and OEM parts included, minus the oil being Motul 0W-20 instead of Subaru-Idemitsu oil
Pay for Purolator BOSS filters if you want high-mileage, high-strength and more media and twice the exterior metal casing. Strong relief valve, and backflow seals. Depending on them, they are $8-15 each.
Yup, I run this for a year up to 12k on a gen4 outback and the oil analysis is perfect. At 115k miles now. This is with pennzoil ultra Plat oil with nothing added.
Your Japanese own filter looks very much to me like HifloFiltro filters, the crimp Bering larger than the can, the plastic wrap, the round o-ring. I do not know if they sell filters for cars here but there filters for offroad are impressive quality to me and somewhat cheap yet identical to Suzuki OEMs for my motorcycle...
The Subaru filter with the spiral metal tube inside is more eco-friendly because it will recycle easier than the other filters with the phenolic cage inside. The first step in recycling oil filters is to crush them, and when you do that with the plastic cage inside, it breaks down into a lot of little pieces that can't be recycled with the rest of the metal parts in the filter.
@@jerryyoung6494 A lot of places that change oil will recycle them for free, just call. They don't like to do this, because it is extra work for them, but many will do it if you're polite about it. I also think it's the law that any place that sells motor oil has to offer recycling services.
I'd love to see your opinion on WIX filters, especially given the OEM blues are out of stock. A lot of aftermarket oil filters have lower bypass pressures (assuming to fit different engines/manufacturers) and the old EJs (and likely FA/FB) require higher to the tune of about 23PSI. WIX was the only filter I could find for the EJ that was the exact same bypass as OEM and has metal endcaps.
Wix has poor filtering efficiency. Their rated efficiency is with 40 micron particles, as the particles get smaller, wix really has poor efficiency. I actually use Fram (gasp!) ultra synthetic filters. Fram ultra synthetic filters have good construction, and the best filtering efficiency available.
One of his older videos on oil filters he cut open wix and compared it to all other brands witch he cut open also , look into his past videos you should find it , i switched to wix xp from K&N after watching his video , puralator are also good
The made in USA interim filter looks better! Not surprised Subaru actually had to go more expensive when their cheap supply ran dry. I wouldn't worry about the plastic cage unless you try to pull a crazy change interval and run in the cold. Wrong bypass pressure also not shocking and will save the plastic support. Interesting Subaru is willing to use lower bypass after all the aneurisms on the internet over the years. Still makes me wary of the interim filter. Strangely, most sources say AC Delco filters are made by Champion Labs, AKA Fram. There is also a lawsuit for false made in USA claims. Who knows currently. Tokyo Roki obviously still supreme. How many Tokyo Roki filters do you have in stock, anyways? Hahaha.
@@you_can_fuck_your_own_ass_69 Wix is definitely better than Champ Labs. They are part of the Mann+Hummel family now, but had multiple factories and still do. The design is superior. The website says 11 facilities in 8 countries.
@@you_can_fuck_your_own_ass_69 Champion Labs makes ACDelco and Supertech filters, and these interim Subaru filters appear the same. Fram used to be made by Honeywell, as is USA made Honda and Subaru filters, but Fram is now part of Champion Labs. Fram and Champ Labs appear to still have separate filter lines though. Wix is now owned by Mann+Hummel, but I think most Wix filters are still a separate line of filters than Mann filters.
It's been a while since I've gone deep into oil filter sources, but I remember Champion Labs being the manufacturer of a huge amount of filter brands a few years ago, including some of the best and worst on the market.
My dealer put in an STP branded blue filter in our Crosstrek on the last service 3 weeks ago. Once the free changes run out, I’ll be running something higher quality.
You can order the black Tokyo Roki filters from Flatirons Tuning out of Boulder,CO. That's where I order mine from for my 05 STi. Also they have a rewards program that's a nice incentive to order from them. Also want to add that RCM makes a filter now as well that Flatirons Tuning sells.
Thank you for posting this. I have a 2019 Forester Touring with the FB-25 engine. If I understand what you are saying...the Mazda N3R1-14-302 will fit my engine and is spec'd the same as the Subaru filter for this engine? I've read some of the comments stating that Purolator and Wix are good filters. I found a Purolator L14460 on Amazon and have ordered that. I will look at Mazda filters as well. I agree the Fram filters look like trash. I don't want cardboard fibers getting on my bearings. And yes, I do get oil and filter changes regularly.
When I bought my Forester, I also got some free oil changes from the dealer. When I learned they were using the blue USA junk I couldn't wait to take over the oil changes. After a lot of research, I settled on the Purolator Boss PBL14615. It's pricy but they claim it uses a superior media to hold up for 15,000 miles between oil changes. As soon as I get the first one off, I'll cut it open to see what the media looks like.
I have done a lot of oil changes using acdelco oil filters and STP oil filters I can tell you the yellow markings are in fact look very close to acdelco brand oil filters
I'm glad I didn't abuse my dealer in my Google Maps review. When I saw this unbranded filter after changing the oil a few days ago, I was shocked. Thought they finally started using fakes.
Several filter manufacturers have or are using "fiber" end caps. Wix, Chap Labs, A/C etc.. The fiber works well enough. All it does it direct oil to the outer side of the media and keep oil from flowing around the media to the inside.
Subaru specs much higher bypass valve pressure than other makes, at least for the EJ. I don't know why, but that may explain some of the difference. Many filter companies spec the same filter for EJ and Mazda BP (Miata) applications, because the cans are the same size, while others such as Wix make a Subaru specific part number with the higher bypass pressure.
The bypass valve pressure is irrelevant if the delta P across the media is less than the valve pressure. Basically the bypass valve should never (seldom) open. Subarus engines have very high oil flow at high RPM which creates higher delta P. The Honda S2000 filter has the same bypass valve pressure setting because of the oil flow. If you use a bigger filter than the OEM filter than the bypass pressure is not a significant parameter since the larger media creates less resistance.
Excellent video. Thank you so much for the Mazda alternative. I wonder, if you cut the filter media on the blue USA one and the blue "emergency" one, would the filter medias measure the same if stretched out flat on a table. Really more for curiosity though. I always grab a K&N Oil filter, that is until now when I'm going to go get me some Mazda ones. 😁
2009-2011 mazda rx8 oil filter is produced by the same japan factory that produces the black subaru filters and its easier to obtain in the US and has a little larger filter capacity
So, despite all the pearl clutching on BITOG and other forums, it seems that Subaru does not consider the 23psi bypass pressure to be absolutely critical. That's what I got out of this video. Thank you Mr. Subaru! It makes my filter choice easier. I found the AA100 Tokyo Roki Japanese filter at my local Autozone. The taller OEM filter they had was the generic, unlabeled blue one. Hoping they get the Tokyo Roki in stock. That said I wouldn't worry about using an aftermarket filter like Purolator or (trigger warning) a FRAM either.
hey just be sure to inspect the o ring and its the same style, weve been using aftermarket filters at my dealer and some after markets will leak sue to the type of o ring is used on the filter, the ones ive been seeing leak is the ones hat have a large flat surface. one even leaked so bad it spew oil everywhere onto the belt and destroyed it. they traded in her car lol. weve had at least 5 comebacks on aftermarket filters thinking it was the techs fault. until we really stopped and looked
In regards to the blue replacement filters vs the original blue filters. The replacement filter element appears smaller, but the filtering element is better spaced . Is it possible these filters have the same square inches of filtering material even though the filter cartridge looks different?
Hello, and thank you for your great videos. I have a 23 Forester sport and was wondering if you have a Mazda part number that would be the equivalent to the Subaru filter. I believe this engine is the SK series
I wouldn’t be surprised if Subaru ends up turning to Denso to supply filters give the relationship Subaru has with Toyota. Toyota, Yamaha, and more recently Mazda have been using their made in Thailand filters for the US market. Not as nice as the Tokyo Roki filters, but plenty of Toyotas have gone 300k plus on the Thai Denso filters.
Why not just use the Purolator Boss PBL14461 filter? I have cut one open and looks to be just as good if not better than the made in Japan filter and its easy to find and cheaper, and its made in the USA.
I’ve been a mechanic for 47 years. I did this same thing years ago trying to find the best filter for my customers. I was very shocked at how terrible Fran filters are. They are such a well known filter that is absolutely JUNK as you’ve proved. I can’t stress this enough to people how critical this is. Keep up the great videos and I hope a lot of people will listen to the truth you speak. Thanks
I absolutely agree. However, the Fram Ultra is one of the best filters on that market that is readily available on the shelf. I would venture to say they are as good or better than the Tokyo Roki filters.
@@cpftank09 I run the fram titanium and run the Tokyo Roki filters on my frs. You won’t see any cardboard end caps on the Fram Ultra or titanium. The orange can Fram filters are what they are a cheap bargain filter meant to be changed at 3000 miles. It will get you by but it isn’t anything special. Run the Tokyo Roki, wix, Mobil one, Bosch or Fram Titanium. It’s a roll of the dice running a cheap filter it could be okay or it could prematurely ruin your engine.
@@brianeighties4481 exactly. I’ve seen the cut away of the titanium and it’s impressive, looks like the “old” Ultra. But the Ultra is almost half the price and I doubt Fram made it worse when they revised it recently.
Nothing from Fram compares with Wix it’s above anything. Even Subaru original equipment. 🤦🏻♂️ 🤖 🤖 🤖
@@erickamekonapeper4007 I haven’t seen any filtration tests to indicate that the Tokyo Roku is any good. Yet there independent filtration tests on the Fram Ultra and it has some of the best filtration and flow rates out there. Wiz is good too, but not available everywhere.
Something to mention on bypass valve,
WIX is the ONLY oil filter to my knowledge that specifies the bypass valve pressure, and its identical to what subaru requests.
yeah wtf it opens at 160 kPA (23.2 psi for the sti 2005 )
I've heard nothing and seen nothing but good things about WIX
@@randywl8925 Actually the oil filter opens on each cold start. It closes when the oil comes up to temperature.
@@randywl8925 cold oil
Wix is 27…. Sooo…..
The "emergency" filter is nice. I hope they keep that one. I'm using the lower profile wider filter for the STI on my 23 Outback. At least that's what my dealer put on when I asked them for the Japanese filter equivalent.
The USA made Subaru filter is also the same as the typical 15400-PLM-A02 Honda oil filter and we don’t seem to have an issue with getting them yet. However if you have want a Japanese made Honda oil filter that’ll work on your Subaru, Mahle makes the Honda 15400-RTA-003 oil filter. Nissan also makes Japanese made oil filters that’ll also work with your Subaru.
You’ll notice no difference using any of these!
Funny you mention that because I’m an Infiniti tech and found out 9E01 Nissan part number V8 filters also fit Hondas
I work at a Honda shop and have used the PLM A02 for forever:)
@@slowwrx1049 gone are the days of the sweet filtech made A01’s! 😢
@@nicknewyen I still have a few unused ones somewhere around here
Then it should be the same as Yamaha's 5GH-13440-xx oil filter
I went down this rabbit hole years ago trying to find a good quality filter. Oddly after HOURS of comparing datasheets and reading all witch way of forum posts I also discovered the Mazda filter as a direct fit replacement. Now granted all mine are EJ engines but as I recall the specs match close enough that it works out alright. My local Mazda dealer needless to say was incredibly surprised when I told them these are also Subaru filters in the JDM.
Mazda filters do not have anti-drain back valves on most of their filters. The one mentioned is the exemption.
Use Purolator Boss filter been using it for years definitely the best filter.
@@dwendt44 that's not a problem for the EJ-series engine since the filter is mounted on the bottom. It would not be recommended to grab a Mazda filter on newer FA-series of engine.
I’d advise against this, the bypass valve and it’s spring will probably be a much different pressure and spec required to activate them compared to the one for your vehicle.
@@Rekt-M8-v4 The bypass pressure setting is similar if not the same for most all Asian manufacturers. 13 psi.
I own a shop that rarely works on anything other than European cars, but I do deal with filter failures a lot. What I can say is you guys are looking at quality criteria that may not really matter. One of my favorite brands , and an OE brand for BMW and Benz uses foam end caps ! I'm not sure the end caps made by fram would be a problem. I guess to test it, you could throw it in boiling water for a few hours and see what comes out? Most of the cars I deal with use insert type filters, and failure is readily seen during service. A very common failure is of filter media collapse due to improper filter media manufacture. The media, is (I believe) cellulose base soaked with resin(?) and after a while operating in the engine, absorbs some moisture. The cell fibers swell and stop flowing oil. Long service intervals made possible by synthetic oil and winter operation aggravate the problem. I've seen this fault on filters that come in from a cars serviced with "STP"( had "made in USA on it), NAPA Gold, Service champ(?), and unbranded "made in China" filters. I have saved examples to prove it. I have had customers towed in with sized engines from this. 5 in the last ten years, but more than a dozen filters in that time from a wide range of cars. This includes a Napa gold that I bought last year for a Volvo V70 , and the next time the car was in for service, the oil filter was obviously affected. Instead of having straight sides, the filter looks like an hourglass shape that I typically see from this type of failure. To the credit of the Napa store I bought it from, the owner took pictures and got on the phone right then and made the right people aware of it. Now I stick with Mann, Mahle, Hengst, or Kencht (Purolator, now made by Mahle) . No doubt there are other good brands. Just not for me.
Well said.
Water makes paper fibers weak. Oil actually makes paper fibers stronger. You'd probably need to try that with boiling oil...
I just learned about the bypass valve on oil filters! Makes sense!
Hi Mr. Subaru,
I have a 2008 Outback that I bought while living in Montana. I went to the local NAPA store to get an oil filter (no Subaru dealer within 100 miles). The owners are huge Subaru fans and told me that the NAPA gold 1334 filter (made by Wix) is much better than the 1/2 a beer can size stock filter. They explained that the relief valve pressure (bypass valve and values) are the same - as is the threading, oil passages and fitment. That was in 2014. I've been using them ever since and have had no issues whatsoever. The NAPA gold 1334 filter is quite a bit larger but it really isn't any big deal.
Thank you for your time, Doug
looks like same application as the Purolator 14459! spin on that's listed for basically all the Kia/Hyundai engines that don't use cartridges, some of the STIs, and a couple of the old DOHC timing belt hondas :)
Nice free information from the good guy Mr. Subaru. Thanks Mr. Subaru.
Mr Subaru is a legend and I'm not joking I'm so thankful for his videos
Wish I saw these earlier, I bulk bought the Made in USA version, and used it on 2 oil changes. I just ordered the Mazda version. Thank you. Mr. Subaru.
I’ve been a mechanic for 56 years since the 90s and last time I check Toyota also makes those filters for the subuyotas
You should import those black filters and resell them to your viewers 🤔
Yes! I would buy. Support small business!
lol you can buy them from import image racing for $11 each
He should import those filters and give them to his subscribers 😎
The Mazda RX-8 oil filters are black Mazda-branded Tokyo Roki units not too different from the Subaru 15208AA160. It supposedly has the same bypass valve spec.
yes please
Just finished buying and installing this mazda filter on my 06 Subaru Baja Turbo 👍🏼 very pleased nice quality
In my country (Chile), is easy to buy the black one filter. Last week I did the 275,000 km oil change with the black filter that I have always used, but the blue filters began to appear since few years ago. Since I saw your first filter analysis and comparison video, the blue ones have rejected me.
The pressure release valve being stiffer in the made in Japan Subaru oil filter has a function. It keeps one side of the Subaru boxer engine from starving for oil while in high speed cornering and tight cornering situations.
After watching your original oil filter comparisons, I went online and purchased the good stuff from Amayama. Great price, fast delivery. Recently I needed more filters, and again Amayama to the rescue. Not only were these replacements Japanese spec'd, but even with the added shipping from the UAE, three filters were cheaper then going to my local dealer and getting one crap USA made filter. Thanks again for the great info.
Did you you have to pay any brokerage fees or import duties when you ordered them from Amayama or from the UAE? Thanks
@@JeffreyHall-n9s Nope, just the usual shipping fee. Again, these were cheaper than anywhere else.
I switched over to the napa gold filter with the higher bypass pressure and so far so good after some oil testing through an independent lab
Careful. The higher bypass pressure means it may not be opening during cold starts. I say may because I don't know how much higher the pressure rating is on the filter you are using. Are you monitoring oil pressure at start?
I just did my oil change today on my 22 outback. Went to Napa and they didn't have the 7055 gold filter. Went down the road to the subaru dealer and the new filter with crush washer was cheaper than the napa filter 😮
That new filter is the same as any "budget" filter from all the big brands. They all come from the same factory from what I recall. Metal end caps with ribbed plastic core and same basic filtration media. Great filters when picked up at Walmart for $3.50 in their ST oil filter line.
Interesting stuff! I don't know why oil filter tear-downs are so compelling to watch.
After this video I'm going back to the Purolator One filters. They are constructed like the Japan Subaru oil filter and i've had no issues.
As long as it's not leaking , The filter is good 💯💯💯💯
I was real dumb to not buy some filters months ago but then again it never crossed my mind that dealerships would ran out of filters.
Dude no one could have foreseen that, yes hindsight is 20/20 but out of stock oil OEM filters?? Never would have guessed it.
@@alexv5581 it’s all fake. Just a plan from the man to keep us down and wanting.
Just had my Forester serviced Friday at the dealer and they installed an ac Delco filter. Will monitor the oil carefully but I’m not worried.
The interim filter is definitely an "e-core" design made by Champion Labs. They make filters for AC Delco and a number of private labels including including SuperTech (Walmart). While I prefer WIX and Purolator One, I have no qualms grabbing a SuperTech filter in a pinch. They're cheap, yet still far better made than Fram.
I also think they are a good filter! It would be a good thing if Subaru USA switched from Fram to Champ Labs permanently IMO.
I have used them, and they're "ok". I also prefer Wix/WixXP, Purolator One/Boss filters.
Fram and Champion labs are the same btw LOL. Champion labs is part of "Fram filtration"
@@C5Z06CarGuy Fram purchased Champ a number of years ago. But filters sold under the Fram label are still the same awful design with the cardboard end caps, while the Champ made ones retain the e-core style. You would think Fram would incorporate some of Champ's technology into their product, as Champ has obviously figured out how to create a quality product at a bargain price point. Yet they don't. I can only surmise that Fram's crappy design is even cheaper to produce than the e-core, while millions still buy their products anyway because its a "brand name". Why screw with a profitable formula like that?
@@LiveFreeOrDieDHif you can control your competition you can make more profits.
I just got an ACD Gold PF2057 for my 2.4…made in USA, similar dimensions, never an issue with ACD filters in the decades I’ve had GMs.
I'm new to Subaru. I have purchased a 2012 Forester last year for my son to drive. I had my mechanic go through the car and do an oil change right after I got it. I've done the next oil change myself. Now that I've seen these videos, I'm going to check what filter the parts store provided me. I noted it was taller than the one I removed. Thanks for these videos.
Thanks for making this video showing the difference between the OEM and replacement filters.
and another great production....thanks again for keeping peeps informed.......and passing on great information
I use the N3R1 filter in my outback XT and use the wix 75112 XP in my legacy. stocked up over the weekend.
Purolator boss is the same as wix XP
Interesting tip on RX8 filter!
Thanks!
I’ve been using the K&N oil filters on my 04 Forester for the past 4 years and they seem to be very well made and work just fine for me.
Just a heads up for half the price you can buy a Walmart filter and it's the same thing..
Purolator boss Menards sells them they are made by wixs XP it is the older stock they are all made in the USA if they are not made in the USA don't buy them a lot of wix filters are now not made in the USA they are junk
Me too or Purolator boss pbl14615 or AFE part #44-lf017 I usually change my oil filter every 12,000 miles but my oil every 4k. 07 Forester with a manual transmission. I have 172k on it. & Stock everything. Best regular car I ever owned.
I change both the oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles because It’s just been a habit I developed back in the 1970’s.
@@larryechols6060 that is fine. But it makes a pointless for you to buy a high quality filter that's meant to go 15 to 20,000 MI
Just got my oil and filter changed at my local Subaru dealer and noticed that they used the new version. I was a bit concerned that it might be a cheap knock off, but after watching your video I would say it's as good or better than the old style.
The "emergency" filters appear to be made by Champion Labs, which is ACDelco's supplier. The color also looks similar to ACDelco blue, and the stamping on top also matches ACDelco filters as well, so likely they are buying from Champ Labs and are being sent Delco filters without the GM label.
I was going to say- that looks like the AC Delco blue filters I use on my firebird, both in color and construction
yep and identical to SuperTech Filter at Walmart
Dunno if it's just the camera angle... but the cardboard end caps on the original USA filter look so close to the sides of the can id say thats your biggest flow restriction right there. The oil coming in has to squeeze through, what appears to be less then a 32nd of an inch gap to reach the filter media on the sides. The bypass oil (should the bypass open due to restricted filter or cold weather) has to be forced past both the top and bottom end plates though that tiny gap.
Excellent work man! Gonna get the Mazda equivalent for my ‘22 Forester, I hope they have it where I am in Canada. Keep it up and thanks!
Mazda did acquire Subaru (before it was acquired by Toyota) so It makes sense they might have similar oil filter (and other products). This is great information. Thank you.
Wow, the replacement filter is better, interesting. The new filter is made by champion labs, they hold the license for the plastic core design, and yes they make filters for ACdelco. That design is know as the ECore.
the TH-cam got it wrong so I dont blame you either but its not plastic its glass filled nylon theres a huge world of difference there.
@@thenormalyears lol pa6-gf is a plastic polymer bud. You’re just splitting hairs here.
02 2.5 N/A in my VW vanagon I've used Purolator, Wix and Mobil-1 filters for 20 years.
The 15208AA100 filter is the same as a Komatsu filter YM119660-35150 and I believe they’re also made in Japan. They’re pretty cheap too.
Great video. Very informative. When you take the used cartridges out, pulling out the cellulose filtering media could show how much, if any, garbage gets caught...
FWIW, when my 1999 OBW was new, the Subaru oil filters that came on the car, and from the dealer were made by Purolator and said both Subaru and Purolator on them. I have been using Purolator filters in it almost exclusively. I still drive it.
I've never owned an import but this was such a well made and informative video I had to watch the whole thing!
Although I don't own any import vehicles.... I do keep track of Oil Filter designs and quality........ Baldwin/Hastings and Wix are usually to top-tier that can be easily sourced in my area.
I appreciate the video. Great stuff as always.
Super good information. The dealership put a Napa filter on my 18 Crosstrek and I wanted to get the facts before confronting them. I get the filter shortage but they didn't say anything to me about it or charging me full price for an alternative filter
Another great video, Mr Subaru. I will do my best to find Japan or Mazda filter for the FB series engine in my 2019 Crosstrek. I really love your channel. It this kind of content that makes me glad that TH-cam exists...LOL Keep up the excellent work.
Been using the Mazdas for a 2012 wrx and 07 lgt
38 years a Subaru tech and shop owner. within some reason oil filters and oil brand don't matter that much. We build tons of 2.5 turbo and non turbo engines and what kills Subarus is low oil and/or too long of change intervals. Keep it full to the line and change it 3500 to 4500 miles if you want to get high miles out it. 99.9% of all engines we build have 1 or more failed rod bearings this starts from running with low oil and long change intervals.
i work in the parts department at my Nissan dealership and our subaru branch ordered 120 filters from us because they apparently work with them, our nissan filters work with most hondas and acura’s, i use them on my acura.
Im glad I stocked up on my oil filters, good info!
Always good info man.
14:13 the perforated inner brace/support appears to have vastly different hole count. minor difference likely in OEM spec and they're both better than US filter but maybe not an exact rebadge/print
My '23 Crosstrek 2.0 liter came with the 15208AA160, and I just bought a half-dozen on eBay.
The filters are not fully wrapped but the end wrap does not have the hole through it, and it doesn't cling like shrinkwrap over the end of the filter.
The part number on the box is printed, not a sticker, but in the upper right corner of the label it says _FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD_ instead of _SUBARU CORPORATION._
The sides of the box have the six-star logo and the text _SUBARU GENUINE PARTS_ and the side opposite the part number has a picture of a filter, the six-star, and the text _SUBARU._
The word _ENGINE_ is not printed on the end of the filters, but neither is it printed on the original equipment filter in the car.
The box is closed with a single drop of glue, not an array of dots.
The gasket has a square edge profile instead of an O-ring.
Counterfeit?
I have used Premium Spin-On Engine Oil Filters by Bosch on my 2013 Subaru. Seems to be doing fine as they are pretty good quality filters I have used in my past on other cars.
I met a guy once that sold replacement filters that did not use paper media or bypass valves. He used a fine stainless mesh. It was user serviceable. You could tale it apart, wash out the mesh and reassemble it. While I have my doubts that it filters down to the level of paper media, it seems the ultimate filter would be a combination. A washable stainless mesh with a replaceable paper media behind it. You would then need a bypass for the paper media at startup. Most people don't realize that a paper media won't flow any oil when it's cold. It goes to full bypass, which filters nothing during this time. It would be good to have the stainless mesh in place for this. I also believe that Subaru is reducing the effectiveness of the filters by mounting them upside down. Gravity helps keep the particles in the filter once they are captured. The fact that it has to bypass at startup means that large amounts of particles can escape the filter at once.
Thanks for the video Mr.Subaru
If people are looking to buy the OEM Black Tokyo-Roki filters, I recommend US based resellers Import Image Racing (IIR) and Subiemods. IIR is where I get the Oil Change Kit for my 2022 WRX and I've no complaints on price and OEM parts included, minus the oil being Motul 0W-20 instead of Subaru-Idemitsu oil
I have been running the rx8 filters on my sti for about a year now and they seem to be working amazingly
I’d like to hear opinions on WIX filters have been using along with Mobil 1…. The WIX filter looks identical to the first black filter in plastic
Pay for Purolator BOSS filters if you want high-mileage, high-strength and more media and twice the exterior metal casing. Strong relief valve, and backflow seals. Depending on them, they are $8-15 each.
Yup, I run this for a year up to 12k on a gen4 outback and the oil analysis is perfect. At 115k miles now. This is with pennzoil ultra Plat oil with nothing added.
Your Japanese own filter looks very much to me like HifloFiltro filters, the crimp Bering larger than the can, the plastic wrap, the round o-ring. I do not know if they sell filters for cars here but there filters for offroad are impressive quality to me and somewhat cheap yet identical to Suzuki OEMs for my motorcycle...
Thanks to you, my friends Liberty GT Wagon only gets the Mazda filters.
Great video. Can you please follow up with an analysis of the ACDelco replacement filter after running it for the interval. Thank you.
Or use Wixx ones since they're just as good if not better. I use Amsoil oil and filters with no problems.
Purolator boss is made by wixs I have noticed though a lot of wix filters are made overseas now
HI from Quebec, very interesting videos face to face oil filter. tanks you
The Subaru filter with the spiral metal tube inside is more eco-friendly because it will recycle easier than the other filters with the phenolic cage inside. The first step in recycling oil filters is to crush them, and when you do that with the plastic cage inside, it breaks down into a lot of little pieces that can't be recycled with the rest of the metal parts in the filter.
Where do you take the filter to recycle?
@@jerryyoung6494 A lot of places that change oil will recycle them for free, just call. They don't like to do this, because it is extra work for them, but many will do it if you're polite about it. I also think it's the law that any place that sells motor oil has to offer recycling services.
Could you try to unravel the filter to see the surface area of the filter paper itself in comparison to the different filters ? (on next videos)
I'd love to see your opinion on WIX filters, especially given the OEM blues are out of stock. A lot of aftermarket oil filters have lower bypass pressures (assuming to fit different engines/manufacturers) and the old EJs (and likely FA/FB) require higher to the tune of about 23PSI. WIX was the only filter I could find for the EJ that was the exact same bypass as OEM and has metal endcaps.
Lol wix China now
You should try puralator boss. It's the best oil filter out there.
Wix meets the Subaru specs and Wix makes the Napa gold and platinum filters that will work on Subaru too.
Wix has poor filtering efficiency. Their rated efficiency is with 40 micron particles, as the particles get smaller, wix really has poor efficiency. I actually use Fram (gasp!) ultra synthetic filters. Fram ultra synthetic filters have good construction, and the best filtering efficiency available.
One of his older videos on oil filters he cut open wix and compared it to all other brands witch he cut open also , look into his past videos you should find it , i switched to wix xp from K&N after watching his video , puralator are also good
My brother had his Subaru Crosstrek's engine oil changed last week at the dealer, they put in the emergency/alternate oil filter.
Great video as always
Thank you for your videos. Re synthetic oil, Subaru, Mobil One, or other. Also Outback says 0w20. Thin?
I run the Subaru factory Idemitsu oil.
The made in USA interim filter looks better! Not surprised Subaru actually had to go more expensive when their cheap supply ran dry. I wouldn't worry about the plastic cage unless you try to pull a crazy change interval and run in the cold. Wrong bypass pressure also not shocking and will save the plastic support. Interesting Subaru is willing to use lower bypass after all the aneurisms on the internet over the years. Still makes me wary of the interim filter. Strangely, most sources say AC Delco filters are made by Champion Labs, AKA Fram. There is also a lawsuit for false made in USA claims. Who knows currently. Tokyo Roki obviously still supreme. How many Tokyo Roki filters do you have in stock, anyways? Hahaha.
I have about 18 on hand of various sizes. H6, Kei, EJ, FB, and Turbo FA sizes.
@@you_can_fuck_your_own_ass_69 Wix is definitely better than Champ Labs. They are part of the Mann+Hummel family now, but had multiple factories and still do. The design is superior. The website says 11 facilities in 8 countries.
@@you_can_fuck_your_own_ass_69 Champion Labs makes ACDelco and Supertech filters, and these interim Subaru filters appear the same. Fram used to be made by Honeywell, as is USA made Honda and Subaru filters, but Fram is now part of Champion Labs. Fram and Champ Labs appear to still have separate filter lines though. Wix is now owned by Mann+Hummel, but I think most Wix filters are still a separate line of filters than Mann filters.
It's been a while since I've gone deep into oil filter sources, but I remember Champion Labs being the manufacturer of a huge amount of filter brands a few years ago, including some of the best and worst on the market.
@@CarsSimplified Yep. All depends on the factory and the specs laid out in the design.
My dealer put in an STP branded blue filter in our Crosstrek on the last service 3 weeks ago. Once the free changes run out, I’ll be running something higher quality.
You can order the black Tokyo Roki filters from Flatirons Tuning out of Boulder,CO. That's where I order mine from for my 05 STi. Also they have a rewards program that's a nice incentive to order from them. Also want to add that RCM makes a filter now as well that Flatirons Tuning sells.
Maybe I misunderstood in previous videos, does the Mazda RX8 filter work on both FA and FB engines? I own a 2015 Outback 4 banger FB25 engine.
Curious myself , own a 23 Ascent FA24, I just recently purchased Purolator BOSS for my first oil change but if the Mazda ones fit I’d use em too.
Snagged my free oil change on 22 Crossie and they gave me a blue made in USA noname. Changed it to WIX next day just in case.
Is it just me or does the subaru black have more holes in the cartridge than the mazda? Look around 14:13
Thank you for posting this. I have a 2019 Forester Touring with the FB-25 engine. If I understand what you are saying...the Mazda N3R1-14-302 will fit my engine and is spec'd the same as the Subaru filter for this engine? I've read some of the comments stating that Purolator and Wix are good filters. I found a Purolator L14460 on Amazon and have ordered that. I will look at Mazda filters as well. I agree the Fram filters look like trash. I don't want cardboard fibers getting on my bearings. And yes, I do get oil and filter changes regularly.
When I bought my Forester, I also got some free oil changes from the dealer. When I learned they were using the blue USA junk I couldn't wait to take over the oil changes. After a lot of research, I settled on the Purolator Boss PBL14615. It's pricy but they claim it uses a superior media to hold up for 15,000 miles between oil changes. As soon as I get the first one off, I'll cut it open to see what the media looks like.
Tokyo Roki Only! As you should have noticed there less holes in the internal core of the Mazda filter.
I have done a lot of oil changes using acdelco oil filters and STP oil filters I can tell you the yellow markings are in fact look very close to acdelco brand oil filters
really good content. thank you
I'm glad I didn't abuse my dealer in my Google Maps review. When I saw this unbranded filter after changing the oil a few days ago, I was shocked. Thought they finally started using fakes.
Several filter manufacturers have or are using "fiber" end caps. Wix, Chap Labs, A/C etc.. The fiber works well enough. All it does it direct oil to the outer side of the media and keep oil from flowing around the media to the inside.
Subaru specs much higher bypass valve pressure than other makes, at least for the EJ. I don't know why, but that may explain some of the difference. Many filter companies spec the same filter for EJ and Mazda BP (Miata) applications, because the cans are the same size, while others such as Wix make a Subaru specific part number with the higher bypass pressure.
The bypass valve pressure is irrelevant if the delta P across the media is less than the valve pressure. Basically the bypass valve should never (seldom) open. Subarus engines have very high oil flow at high RPM which creates higher delta P. The Honda S2000 filter has the same bypass valve pressure setting because of the oil flow. If you use a bigger filter than the OEM filter than the bypass pressure is not a significant parameter since the larger media creates less resistance.
Excellent video. Thank you so much for the Mazda alternative. I wonder, if you cut the filter media on the blue USA one and the blue "emergency" one, would the filter medias measure the same if stretched out flat on a table. Really more for curiosity though. I always grab a K&N Oil filter, that is until now when I'm going to go get me some Mazda ones. 😁
2009-2011 mazda rx8 oil filter is produced by the same japan factory that produces the black subaru filters and its easier to obtain in the US and has a little larger filter capacity
So, despite all the pearl clutching on BITOG and other forums, it seems that Subaru does not consider the 23psi bypass pressure to be absolutely critical. That's what I got out of this video. Thank you Mr. Subaru! It makes my filter choice easier.
I found the AA100 Tokyo Roki Japanese filter at my local Autozone. The taller OEM filter they had was the generic, unlabeled blue one. Hoping they get the Tokyo Roki in stock. That said I wouldn't worry about using an aftermarket filter like Purolator or (trigger warning) a FRAM either.
hey just be sure to inspect the o ring and its the same style, weve been using aftermarket filters at my dealer and some after markets will leak sue to the type of o ring is used on the filter, the ones ive been seeing leak is the ones hat have a large flat surface. one even leaked so bad it spew oil everywhere onto the belt and destroyed it. they traded in her car lol. weve had at least 5 comebacks on aftermarket filters thinking it was the techs fault. until we really stopped and looked
You need to remove filter material and measure length to compare old to new filter.
In regards to the blue replacement filters vs the original blue filters.
The replacement filter element appears smaller, but the filtering element is better spaced . Is it possible these filters have the same square inches of filtering material even though the filter cartridge looks different?
Hello, and thank you for your great videos. I have a 23 Forester sport and was wondering if you have a Mazda part number that would be the equivalent to the Subaru filter. I believe this engine is the SK series
We’ve been running the rx8 filter in ej’s for a very long time as well. Run one in our rally car and our road cars.
I have found that the Denso filters on RockAuto work quite well.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Subaru ends up turning to Denso to supply filters give the relationship Subaru has with Toyota. Toyota, Yamaha, and more recently Mazda have been using their made in Thailand filters for the US market. Not as nice as the Tokyo Roki filters, but plenty of Toyotas have gone 300k plus on the Thai Denso filters.
Subaru bids parts to the cheapest supplier. I highly doubt Denso will be the cheapest
Subaru dealerships in Toronto have lots of black filters for the H6.
Fill them both up with oil, put a bolt/blockage in the center hole an see how fast the anti drain back valve does or doesn’t do it’s job
Why not just use the Purolator Boss PBL14461 filter? I have cut one open and looks to be just as good if not better than the made in Japan filter and its easy to find and cheaper, and its made in the USA.
I was buying a filter at Subaru and they offered the replacement filter. I went to autozone afterwards and they had a few oem Subaru filters in stock
AC Delco filters are made by Champ Labs, they are the same as SuperTech Filter.