STI Power Loss after first Oil Change?
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STI Power Loss after first Oil Change?
I do not have the problem with my STI but Flying Dutchman said he thinks that the power level of his STI is lower after his 3000 mile oil change. I Changed my oil at 1000 miles and then at 3000 miles. My engine feels just as stong as ever.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Blue
Has anyone else had this problem?
Blue
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could be the oil level is too high. this will cause excessive "crank windage" and rob hp. as the crank spins it has oil that is still stuck to it that spins with it. it the oil level is too high, more of the crank will be emersed in the oil, robbing power from the thick viscous fluid.
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As the motor breaks in, the rings seal better, providing higher combustion chamber pressures. With that, the power goes up.
If the power goes down, I bet the motor has not been broken in properly.
What kind of oil did he put in at 3000?
If the power goes down, I bet the motor has not been broken in properly.
What kind of oil did he put in at 3000?
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I did the switch at 3000 miles also. I switched to synthetic because I only drive 600 to 700 miles per month. ( I work to much ) I usualy drive my wifes 1999 Subaru Outback sedan on the weekends.
I may change back to Dino oil at 6000 for awhile and see if i notice the difference.. Winter here in Michigan can be strange. It could be 65 to 70 Degrees one day and minus 15 the next.
I hope the FlingDutchman see's this thread and can reply.
Blue
I may change back to Dino oil at 6000 for awhile and see if i notice the difference.. Winter here in Michigan can be strange. It could be 65 to 70 Degrees one day and minus 15 the next.
I hope the FlingDutchman see's this thread and can reply.
Blue
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with synthetic Royal Purple I didn't notice any gains or losses. I switched oil to synthetic at 1000 miles. Don't know why It would be too early for a synthetic. Changing the oil to get all the break-in crud out isn't a bad idea. I'm gonna change the oil again at 4000 miles.
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The thing about Synth oil, is that it is too slick. Thats good. However, when the engine is breaking in, you don't want everything to slide easy. You want it to run and wear in. Rings especisally.
So, if the oil is too "oily", the break in procedue could just stop or take longer to complete.
I recommend running regular oil for 5000 miles, then switch to blend and then to fully synth.
So, if the oil is too "oily", the break in procedue could just stop or take longer to complete.
I recommend running regular oil for 5000 miles, then switch to blend and then to fully synth.
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There was an amazing discussion on just this subject in the STi forum. There was a link to a site (near the bottom) that has photo comparisons of the two ways to break in a motor. I used to follow the drive it gentle method because thats the way my old man taught me 
not anymore though. Oh here's a link to that thread https://www.i-club.com/forums/showth...threadid=30109
not anymore though. Oh here's a link to that thread https://www.i-club.com/forums/showth...threadid=30109
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Car Info: 2002 3/4 ton Cevy Suburban, 1997 Integra Type-R, 2004 WRX-STI
I just changed my oil yesterday. subaru Canada has suggested not going to a synthetic until 12-16000km due to the components in dino oil that help seat everything in the motor. Sort of like a extended treating process for the metal.
By going syn, it is possible the the oil will not correctly bond to the metal. I'm not a metalurgist, but this is consistant with other things I have seen in my line of work.
By going syn, it is possible the the oil will not correctly bond to the metal. I'm not a metalurgist, but this is consistant with other things I have seen in my line of work.
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I agree that going to the synthetic oil was too early @ 3k.
I would stay w/ high quality conventional oil til at least 10K giving the rings enough time to seat correctly. I am going to do this myself.....I just hope to be able to keep the rpm's down til my first oil change then get a tad harder on her! there are a lot of "fast and furious" cars around here (Boston area) that have been trying like hell to get me to play!!!
Although some of the senior members in here may have better advice, I am fairly new to the new age street machines and from what I have read they all make good logical sense.
Imprezer seems to top the list but I have not read everyone's posts but I have been spending more and more time in here to learn,
I would stay w/ high quality conventional oil til at least 10K giving the rings enough time to seat correctly. I am going to do this myself.....I just hope to be able to keep the rpm's down til my first oil change then get a tad harder on her! there are a lot of "fast and furious" cars around here (Boston area) that have been trying like hell to get me to play!!!
Although some of the senior members in here may have better advice, I am fairly new to the new age street machines and from what I have read they all make good logical sense.
Imprezer seems to top the list but I have not read everyone's posts but I have been spending more and more time in here to learn,