Looking for some info for my wife's 96 Outback. I'm currently using 10W30 Valvoline Maxlife in this vehicle. It has 110k on the odometer. Doesn't use much oil between changes, but leaks around the valve covers. (have to replace every other year)

 

What is the preferred brand and weight of Oil for Subaru? What have you guys had luck with? We do get some very cold winters here on occassion as well.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

John

I dunno what valvoline maxlife is, but i hear that dino oils are gentler on the seals (or leak less) than synthetics.

 

Here's what I do:

3 liters of 10-30 dino oil plus a quart of straight 40 grade (or 20-50 in very cold weather). Add some extra detergents at 2500 miles (stp or gunk), and change after 5000 mi.

 

But since you say you get "very cold winters" all 10-30 might be better, or even mix a quart of 5-30 in there.

I use Chevron Delo Heavy Duty 15W40 in my wife's 1993 Legacy.

I use 10W40 semi-synthetic all year round with some oil useage. I change at the recommended mileage.

Cold is relative. I used to have a great email about that. But anyway...

 

In western NY I use 5w-30 full synthetic in the winter(november 1- april 1), and 10w-30 full synthetic in the "summer".

 

It snowed here last week. It was in the 70s today.

don't use pure 5-30. it isn't recommended anymore; too thin. This oil is used by manufacturers to increase their MPG numbers, but it may not be the best for the engine, especially one that is well broken in (>80K mi)

 

From

http://www.endwrench.com/pdf/engine/OilViscosityInfoW01.pdf

 

"Oil Viscosity For 1996 Subaru Vehicles Engine oil viscosity for all 1996 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Legacy Outback vehicles is specified as 5W-30 to improve fuel economy. This is a different viscosity rating than used in earlier production engines. At the present time, it is not recommended that a 5W-30 weight oil be used in Subaru vehicles calling for a different grade and viscosity. The oil used must meet the requirements for grade and viscosity as noted in the Owner s Manual."

Mobil 1.

 

5W-50 summer, temp up to plus 34 C

0W-40 winter, temp down to minus 20 C

 

No problems, over the last 60k miles and two years. Never any problems in other vehicles that I have treated similarly.