Recently, we were contacted by a representative of Purolator who asked if we’d be interested in shooting and sharing a video on how to change the oil in a Subaru. They provided a filter as well as some compensation for our time. The Subiesport project Classic Legacy was due for an oil change anyhow, so we rolled with it. All opinions are our own.
The engine in this 1991 Subaru Legacy is a very well worn 2.2-liter. We intend to replace this mill, but for now the old girl needs some TLC in the form of a simple, but necessary, oil change.
Used in this installation:
- Jackstands
- Car ramps
- Oil Catch Basin
- 5W-30 oil (x4)
- Crush Washer
- Purolator Classic oil filter (Model #L14460)
- Crush washer
The tool requirements are quite simple:
- 17mm wrench
- Hammer
- Screwdriver (doesn’t matter what type)
- Filter wrench (optional)
We’ll start out by puncturing the old filter with a hammer and screwdriver. This will rid the filter of excess oil, which should minimize the mess when removing it. After puncturing, wait 10+ minutes for it to drain completely. For the video, we weren’t so patient, so our hands got a bit dirty.
Next, remove the drainplug and empty the engine. After the engine completely drains (10+ minutes), replace the crush-washer with a fresh one (available at any Subaru dealership) and tighten the drainbolt back in place.
Screwing on a fresh filter is easy. Purolator sent us the Classic filter, which is a good choice for most traditional oil changes. Cool fact: back in World War II Purolator provided oil for tanks and planes in the war effort. I’ve used Purolator filters before and they always seemed to be high quality, so I’m happy to use this one for the Classic Legacy project car.
With the filter hand-fitted back onto the engine, all that’s left is to refill the engine with 4 quarts of 5W-30. Check the level and then clean up the small mess. If you have any overspill, spread kitty litter over the wet spots. Let sit then simply sweep it up. You will need to recycle your old filter and the spent oil. A quick Google search will return local places for proper disposal. Keep in mind that filters and oil may need to be recycled at different locations.
How did Ryan do? Post your comments below.
A good and potentially informative new ‘article’ for SubiesportTV. Whilst I tried to follow the repairs/upgrades in Subiesport magazine, even with the pictures there were times when it was hard to follow what was going on. I put some of that down to my own lack of hands-on experience ‘wrenching’ on cars, but I think a video is simply a better teaching tool. I don’t know if the idea is to rebuild the Legacy entirely on video, but if it is (assuming that is even possible given some of the more complex repairs), then I look forward it.
I usually fill up the filter before putting it back on what?
Hey, you forgot to oil the seal of the oil filter so that it would make your next oil change a bit easier to take off!!