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First Oil Change on my 2016 STI Complete but Questions Please

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10K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Pittwrx14  
#1 ·
Hi guys,

I just got a 2016 STI a couple of months ago and finally completed the 1,000 mile break in.

I ordered a new Blue Subaru Filter from Subbie Speed, along with a crush washer.
I went to the local store and got Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic 5w40 2.5 gallons.

So this is my first ever oil change by myself (I typically bring my own oil to a local shop).

I watched some Youtube videos as well as read some threads on changing the oil.

So here are my few questions now that I have completed the oil change:

1) Is it okay that i just tightened the oil filter with my hand as tightly as I could and used NO wrench?
2) The drain plug bolt was on the car extremely tight and I had to break it loose with a 1/2" socket versus the 3/8" socket I was using. Is this typical?
3) When I put the drain bolt back in, I just used mainly my hand to tighten it up since I didn't want to cross thread the bolt. Once I put my 3/8" 17mm on there, it didn't seem to want to tighten anymore and I definitely didn't want to put any force on it. Should I have used a 1/2" socket and just tried to tighten it or is it okay pretty much hand tight where it won't turn with a 3/8" 17mm socket?
4) Since I bought the 2.5 gallon jug of Rotella T6, I didn't really have anything to measure out a quart so I just used a measuring cup and filled it up 18 times for a total of 4.5 quarts.
5) After I finished with the oil change and put 4.5 quarts in approximately, I started up the car for a few minutes. Then I turned it off and checked the dip stick. It has been showing right by the "L." I have put another 1/2 cup in and still right around there. I thought this car takes 4.5 quarts? Does it have anything to do with the fact that I didn't put any oil in the Blue Subaru filter like some people do? All I did was put a little bit of oil around the gasket on the filter itself.

I don't want to drive the car until I know that I am safe. Just to clarify, I am checking the oil with the car on the ground in my garage. I have probably added at least 4.6 to 4.7 quarts by now. I checked the manual and it said 4.5 for the STI and 5.4 for the other models but I am using a different oil than OEM so maybe I need 5 quarts?

So sorry for all of the newbie questions on a simple job, but this is an expensive car for me and I really want to make sure that I did everything correctly.

*I checked the drain plug and inside the under tray and there is no signs of any leaks at all as well.*

Please help me and again, sorry for all of these newbie questions.
 
#2 ·
1) yes
2) yes
3) if you only hand tighten you can have a slow leak, remember that is what the crush washer is for. give it a little extra with a wrench
4) unconventional but ok
5) yes, i dont fill the oil filter first just pour 4 quarts then check dip stick, pour half a quart then check dip stick... till i get it right

"so maybe I need 5 quarts?" that wont have anything to do with it other then if it is thicker it might take a moment longer to get to where your stick car read it
 
#3 ·
As long as you stick with Subaru OEM filters and gaskets. Drain plug will be tight because it's your first oil change. Let it drain all the way out until there isn't a stream anymore. Residue from the engine will sit at the bottom of the oil pan. When you tighten it back up be sure not to cross thread the bolt. Just have the bolt be snug. Not like so tight where the hulk tightened it back on ya know? The 2014 WRX takes 4.5qt of oil as for the other years I'm not sure. When you put the oil back in the car start it up and let it run for a few minutes. Turn it off and let the car sit at least 10-15 minutes while off on a flat surface and check your oil. If not you won't get an accurate reading and it would be on the low side as you said. But adding another 1/2qt won't hurt it. Good luck!