Replacement Boxer engine for Outback

Kirby wrote:

> 2. Change oil every 3000 miles and use a Subaru or Napa Gold Filter AND use
> Castrol or Valvoline oil. I've used Penzoil for decades and they say it has too
> much phosphorus and is bad for their aluminum engines.
>
> Comments?

Hi,

I'd follow their recommendations, based on personal experience, WRT to
the oil filters. For whatever reason I can't fathom, some Subie engines
(mine included!) are VERY picky about their oil filters. OEM's always
fine, Napa Gold is made by Wix, so w/ either brand one's getting the
same filter, and I've never had a complaint about the Wix/Napa Gold oil
filter "family."

As for oil, I'd drop Valvoline from the recommendation along w/
Pennzoil. Castrol GTX is the ONLY oil my machine shop buddy recommends
in engines he builds. He has a running lunch bet w/ his son, who works
for him, that he can spot a Valvoline engine from across the shop.
Something about the wear pattern on cam lobes he recognizes. I can't see
it, but I've never seen Dad buy lunch yet, either! (A fellow on another
forum I frequent who's built a lot of engines backs Dad up--he claims
something about anti-scuff properties aren't as good as some others.)
Pennzoil's bad for varnish formation in my experience: I don't use it,
but have "converted" several Pennzoil engines and am always amazed at
how long the "new" oil retains the distinctive "Pennzoil yellow" color
(about the same as the container) until the varnish is pretty well
dissolved out...

As w/ most things automotive, YMMV, but if CCR specs certain items for
warranty coverage, I'm sure they have a good reason! As already
mentioned, they DO enjoy a very good reputation in the industry!

Rick
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