Topic: 2012 N/A Subaru Forester Oil Filter

[Markkenko]

I was recently asked to change the oil on my mothers N/A 2012 Subaru Forester. After doing a bit of research I came up with the FRAM oil filter PH7317. I went out bought my oil and the filter, and then when I went to do the change, I noticed that the filter was a total different size!

The OEM Subaru one that was in the vehicle was significantly wider and shorter than the one I had purchased. However, upon further research the one I bought seemed to be the right oil filter for the car. Websites, and in-store catalogues say that this is the one. Now I am confused.... Can someone explain this to me? Apparently there are two different size filters for 2012 N/A Foresters, and they are interchangeable? Something about 160 and 130?

This is a link i've followed: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f183/oil-filter-2012-forester-non-turbo-15208aa130-vs-15208aa160-104653/
I am still looking for clarification if anyone on here can provide it.

I can grab a picture of the two filters tonight when my mother comes home.

[jellynuts]

Different makes will make different proportions and sizes in filters.  If its the one FRAM suggests then your mom's Forester is good to go. 

[Markkenko]

Different makes will make different proportions and sizes in filters.  If its the one FRAM suggests then your mom's Forester is good to go.

Huh... Alright! I'll see how this goes, and just order OEM Subaru ones next time. Thanks.

[VTAKLOL]

Yeah it's nothing to be concerned about, pretty common for filter width/length to vary from brand to brand.
I've used oem Mazda rx8, oem Subaru and Mobil 1 filters at one point or another on my gc8; all different lengths and they all thread on and seal just fine.

[Canuckrz]

A Fram filter? What did your mother do to deserve this kind of treatment from her own son?

[Markkenko]

Yeah it's nothing to be concerned about, pretty common for filter width/length to vary from brand to brand.
I've used oem Mazda rx8, oem Subaru and Mobil 1 filters at one point or another on my gc8; all different lengths and they all thread on and seal just fine.

Great, thanks for that info.

A Fram filter? What did your mother do to deserve this kind of treatment from her own son?

Hey.... I said id order OEM ones for next time.

[jellynuts]

Hey.... I said id order OEM ones for next time.

lol, we've all been in a pinch where Can Tire Fram filters are the only option.

[10secdream]

lol, we've all been in a pinch where Can Tire Fram filters are the only option.

I would much rather just go to Napa and get a Gold or a Wix.

[WAGOWN]

I would much rather just go to Napa and get a Gold or a Wix.

Of course but sometimes it's 8:30pm and everything else is closed and you're already drained and thought you had a filter left somewhere in this damn garage...

lol, we've all been in a pinch where Can Tire Fram filters are the only option.

[10secdream]

Of course but sometimes it's 8:30pm and everything else is closed and you're already drained and thought you had a filter left somewhere in this damn garage...

Well itshay then. I miss the days when Walmart use to carry Bosch and Purolator.

[RockThePylon]

Of course but sometimes it's 8:30pm and everything else is closed and you're already drained and thought you had a filter left somewhere in this damn garage...

The car isn't going to die if you don't change the filter until the next day.

[Markkenko]

You guys really hate Fram, hey? 
I've usually used napa or OEM, but right now my mom works 9-5, and I have final exams so were on very different schedules. I did what I could on a Sunday night. Will do it better next time to please the WSC crowd

[RockThePylon]

You guys really hate Fram, hey? 

Below average flow, cardboard end caps, low quality bypass valve...

Ya, they're bad.

[WAGOWN]

The car isn't going to die if you don't change the filter until the next day.

But you gotta go to work. It was hypothetical, humour me.