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New Blue Filter

21K views 68 replies 21 participants last post by  Quickster2  
#1 ·
Called the dealer to see if they still had blue filters as they were getting white one in a while back. Was told there is a new blue filter..they claim it is of much better quality than the old one.
 

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#11 ·
The debate rages on. I’ve never had a problem with the North American Subaru oil filter. I think that if you don’t service your car, change the oil every six months or x,000 km then you may have a problem with them. The black filters are definitely a better, more robust construction. I have a bunch of blue NA filters I need to use. Living 4 hours from the dealership…I need to have them in hand.
 
#14 ·
I thought so too, but...
I experienced a problem with the alternate oil filter (SOA6351520812) on a recent oil change on my former 2010 Forester. Two weeks ago my niece brought it to me for an engine oil change. In preparation I picked up the alternate oil filter at my local Subaru dealer parts counter. Following Mr. Subaru's favorable review of the alternate filter vs. the previous Fram-made filters, I was happy to receive the alternate. When installing the alternate I noticed that the filter's gasket is flat compared to the rounded gasket on the old filter. I didn't like how quickly the flat gasket snugged up compared to the 3/4 turn on the old filter with the rounded gasket. After installing the alternate filter and running the engine for a leak check, I noticed a very minor amount of oil seepage coming from the gasket area. I snugged the filter up a little more, wiped it clean and sent my niece on her way.

Today she brought her 2010 back to me for an ATF drain & fill and the first thing I did was feel the engine oil filter for oil seepage. Sure enough it was still seeping, not much, but enough to make me run to the local auto parts store to purchase a filter with a round gasket. Upon removing the alternate filter I closely examined the flat gasket and noticed that the gasket varied in height along the circumference of the filter. For example, the gasket was high at 12 o'clock, low at 6 o'clock and even at 3 and 9 o'clock. I concluded that the irregularity of the gasket is what caused the seepage. Based upon my experience, I would suggest to anyone using the alternate filters to closely inspect the height of the flat gasket before installing.
 
#22 ·
I normally use the Tokyo Roki 15208AA160, in my Outback & now my new Crosstrek, which is a very nice robustly made filter. I have cut one open. Since they became difficult to find I switch to Amsoil filters - EA15K13 - the Amsoil filters are built like little tanks - I was impressed. They are made in the US - but I am unsure of the manufacture. I might cut one open to see the internals. To stir the pot a little more.... I only use Redline 0W-20 in my cars as it's an ester based oil with high levels of moly and zinc.
 
#23 ·
I switch to Amsoil filters - EA15K13 - the Amsoil filters are built like little tanks - I was impressed. They are made in the US - but I am unsure of the manufacture. I might cut one open to see the internals. To stir the pot a little more.... I only use Redline 0W-20 in my cars as it's an ester based oil with high levels of moly and zinc.
Amsoil filters are double what they should cost. But they are 99% at 20 microns. Subaru's filters are at least 30 microns at 99%
 
#26 ·
Just had oil/filter changed on my 2023 Limited. Out goes my Tokyo Roki....

New BLUE Subaru filter # SOA6351520812 was stamped on the top.

Now I have to find the alternate Tokyo Roki for this new BLUE filter for the Limited 2.5

And to think I tossed what was left of a case of Tokyo Roki filters I used for my 2013 Outback in the trash.
 
#53 · (Edited)
According to some............if the label on the box is just a label and not printed on the box it could be a candidate for counterfeit. If the glue on the box top flaps is a bunch of small dots vs a continuous bead when you open the box then it should be genuine. If it is missing the plastic to keep debris out it is probably fake as well. @SubaruBill makes a good point. I bought my TR filter off of Amazon for my 3.6. It passes the "tests". I have 5 of the old blue filters for the Wife's Crosstrek so I'm set for a while.
 
#58 ·
Would be nice if someone ordered the Tokyo Roki filters and after finding if they are legit, make a new thread for "Genuine Tokyo Roki Filters " so people can order without trial and error.

Maybe the vendor would be interested in sponsorship on the site.

Kind of what Subaroutback.org has with their sponsors and threads with products, tips, answer questions etc.
 
#62 ·
Yet another part number change for the Crosstrek OEM oil filter.
15208AA20A supersedes SOA6351520815 which superseded 15208AA15A which superseded 15208AA160 :rolleyes:

Ever more fodder for the YouTube "cut-'em-open" oil filter videos.

What are prices doing with each update to the BLUE oil filter part number? Just curious, since I'm already invested in a 10-year supply of the black Tokyo Roki 15208AA160 oil filters which the factory saw fit to install on my 2021 Crosstrek Outdoor.

Also a question for the members who are now behind the wheel of a 2024 Crosstrek (any trim level). What filter did the factory (USA or Japan) install?
 
#64 ·
Ever more fodder for the YouTube "cut-'em-open" oil filter videos.

What are prices doing with each update to the BLUE oil filter part number? Just curious, since I'm already invested in a 10-year supply of the black Tokyo Roki 15208AA160 oil filters which the factory saw fit to install on my 2021 Crosstrek Outdoor.

Also a question for the members who are now behind the wheel of a 2024 Crosstrek (any trim level). What filter did the factory (USA or Japan) install?

Oil filter installed, 15208AA15A. Build date 07/23. Limited, assembled in USA.
 
#66 · (Edited)
Ever more fodder for the YouTube "cut-'em-open" oil filter videos.

Yeehaw ... giddy up! Thank you, MrSubaru1387 ... and here I was just recently thinking about you and your oil filter can opener.

Video synopsis: BLACK more better than BLUE.

I'm already invested in a 10-year supply of the black Tokyo Roki 15208AA160 oil filters which the factory saw fit to install on my 2021 Crosstrek Outdoor.
In a sea of confusion, I guess trusting one's gut apparently still has some merit. And not just for selecting oil filters. ;)