2011 STi won't give accurate oil read-out.

[Mike193]

So Im really scared and confused right now. Im due for an oil change within the next 1k miles, so I figure I'll go ahead and do one now anyway since im at 30k miles anyway and ill just do it every 3k miles. Anyhow, this morning I went out to check the dip-stick just curious of the oil level, as i periodically check it, and the dip stick read low on one side, and on the back side the oil was all the way up to the Full mark. my question is which reading is correct?!? I already lost one engine and don't know what would happen if I lost this one.


Also, here comes the big old question again. WHICH OIL SHOULD I USE THIS OIL CHANGE?
(currently running castrol GTX)

[Heide264]

I always go off of the side with the H/L markings (the front).

Make sure you check it on a level location

I'd check it twice. Apparently that little o-ring on the dipstick has been known to mess with it as well.

[Mike193]

it was checked in my garage (level location) and the o-ring all the way at the top by the handle?

ALSO WHAT OIL SHOULD I GO WITH

[Donkey]

Top of the page there is a sticky titled "what oil should I use?"


Sent from my magic banana

[Heide264]

it was checked in my garage (level location) and the o-ring all the way at the top by the handle?

ALSO WHAT OIL SHOULD I GO WITH

Yeah. Some guys over at iwsti were saying that o-ring at the top there creates some issues. I have never paid it any mind, although I do pull the dipstick out, wipe it off, then check it twice to make sure.

Oil wise, I'd run the suggested stock oil unless you have a used oil analysis giving you a reason to switch =)

[Mike193]

The stock Royal Purple? I've heard people say its not quality oil at all.

[spirited09wrx]

when you do the oil change see how much comes out. That will give you a pretty good idea as to how much oil is in there and which side of the dipstick to look at.

[Mike193]

I guess ill go with castrol GTX again

[Heide264]

The stock Royal Purple? I've heard people say its not quality oil at all.

I guess ill go with castrol GTX again

Last I checked the instruction book suggests Mobil1

...Not quite sure where royal purple came out of. I've heard people say a lot of dumb things though, be warned.

[jimbo058]

A reliable ASE-certified mechanic told me that the Subaru Oil is really Castrol GTX rebranded. He said just get Castrol GTX Titanium 5W-30 at Walmart and save 5-10 bucks per oil change. If you are flush with cash, get Red Line Racing oil at about $15/qt. My racing buddies said Red Line is the best, but at a significant cost !

[EJ257]

My racing buddies said Red Line is the best, but at a significant cost !

I'd be curious to see their UOA results

[Mike193]

I got advice to use Rotella T6, I'm gunna try that out for the next 3k miles.

[SD_GR]

I got advice to use Rotella T6, I'm gunna try that out for the next 3k miles.

How will you know what results it yields? Are you doing UOA?

[Heide264]

I got advice to use Rotella T6, I'm gunna try that out for the next 3k miles.

Sounds well founded.

Again, every car is different. Get a Used Oil Analysis if you want to try to help your engine.

My first analysis showed up a fairly negative review of Rotella as compared to Mobil1.

[Mike193]

I'm new to dealing with the vehicle's oil situation myself, so if you would continue to have patience while helping me I'd sure appreciate it!

Okay so far, I'm nervous and unsure on what to do. I don't know where to get a UOA, or even what it consists of.

I need oil bad so my plan rite now is to borrow my ma's car, go over to advanced autoparts, get some rotella t6, then go to subaru grab an oil filter, then a crush washer. What I'm wondering, is do I need to use a subaru oil filter? are other companies better filters?