Best Oil Filter for Subarus

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Thu Jan 16, 2014 6:18 pm

I had a Drift magnetic oil filter, D1-MF495, but couldnt get another one at SCA, Autobarn or Repco, so just went with a Ryco. Googling it was interesting, lots of people have had problems with them:
http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums ... il-filter/

The rubber seal leaking (minor but annoying) but much more worryingly, an engine knock on startup. Mine did both! Apparently the engine knock is something to do with it building up oil pressure. It will be interesting to see if I get the knock again.

Other than that they seem to do a good job at filtering. From what I read, most filters do a good job of filtering down to 20 microns but metal particles from 5-20 microns also damage the engine. Filters cant be designed to filter these out as the ultra fine filter surface would reduce oil pressure damaging the engine. The magnet in the filter attracts these, so you get the best of both worlds.

Another thing I like about the Drift, apart from the metallic blue finish lol, is it has a very handy nut on the bottom to untighten with

But the engine knock & that thread really makes me hesitant about using the Drift again

So what do others use? What should I be using? Ryco, genuine, etc...

Anyone have a link to bulk buys?

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 6:32 am

not all metal is attracted to those magnets, which, if the metallic bits are big enough, get caught up in the mesh of the oil pick-up. I have been using Phoenix and Maxx filters of the 493 variety for years on my EA series with no problems

FROG · Post by **FROG** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 9:54 am

Genuine 15208AA100 I can do for $15.40

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 10:18 am

FROG wrote:Genuine 15208AA100 I can do for $15.40

Whats the difference between 15208AA100 & 15208AA12A?

Also, do you find much/any difference in performance between the genuine black(JDM) & blue (USDM)?

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 10:20 am

steptoe wrote:not all metal is attracted to those magnets, which, if the metallic bits are big enough, get caught up in the mesh of the oil pick-up. I have been using Phoenix and Maxx filters of the 493 variety for years on my EA series with no problems

I think the magnets are there for the really fine particles that are too small for the filter media, ie, <20microns, which pass right through

FujiFan · Post by **FujiFan** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 10:39 am

I use genuine filter myself. For the price that Frog sells them they work out similar to Ryco etc. You could always try a sump plug with a magnet.

FROG · Post by **FROG** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 11:10 am

NachaLuva wrote:Whats the difference between 15208AA100 & 15208AA12A?

Also, do you find much/any difference in performance between the genuine black(JDM) & blue (AUDM)?

the 15208AA12A number doesnt work in Subaru system therefor it isnt an Australian part number as far as I can tell anyway

and all my 15208AA100 are black the only blue oil filter I remember are the 15208AA001 Brumby and L Series

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 4:33 pm

FROG wrote:the 15208AA12A number doesnt work in Subaru system therefor it isnt an Australian part number as far as I can tell anyway

and all my 15208AA100 are black the only blue oil filter I remember are the 15208AA001 Brumby and L Series

Thats what I found from my local dealer. The blue ones (p/n 15208AA12A) are USDM, not AUDM, post corrected.

Black (p/n 15208AA100) are JDM which we also get here. Apparently, guys in the US prefer the black.

Found this for bulk buys, incl sump plug crush washers:
6 black genuine (JDM, P/N 152008AA100) for $100 posted = $17ea
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6-x-GENUI...item19e6c2d2e3

12 blue genuine (USDM, P/N 15208AA12A) for $145 posted = $12ea
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Subaru-Oi...item3f216ca0b0

So Frog, your prices as usual are great