4EAT - Adding the spin on external filter when it's not there?

[RallyKeith]

The 2008 Impreza 2.5i Automatic Wagon I just bought does not have the external spin on filer that Rock Auto and Napa Online led me to believe it had. Instead there is a block off plate. Based on the parts diagrams it sure looks like I could add the filter by removing the plate, installing a $3 pipe nipple (Subaru part number 15211AA000) and spinning on the filter. Anyone done this or see a reason I couldn't? I already bought the filter from amazon and the $3 nipple is cheaper than returning it and would make me feel better anyway.

 

Thanks,

Keith

[1 Lucky Texan]

my 2003 doesn't have it - it has a 'remote location' behind the fog light. Dunno about an '08, but maybe it's somewhere else?

 

most people say it's a 'life of the car' item. I wouldn't change mine unless I opened the case of the trans or maybe if incorrect fluid had been put in my trans.

[Numbchux]

Yea, at some point (looks like Imprezas manufactured after 05/07, I didn't look at the cutoff for other models) they stopped using them, relying on the strainer and magnets alone. The CVTs are like that as well (although they did away with the dip stick to prevent contaminants).

 

 

Looks like the o-ring and cover that block it off, are the same ones used on the models that instead had the remote-mount on a 4EAT (certainly '01-'04 Outback 6-cyl and '03-'04 California emissions Leg/Outback 4-cyl). This would make me believe that the transmission case onto which they mount is the same, so you could probably thread that stud on there, and be able to add that filter.

 

Of course, that case comes with the stud for the filter, where applicable. So it's a different part number, but that could be all that is different.

 

We do not stock the o-ring, or the case (never sold either...), so I can't compare it to a filter.

 

 

And, as it sounds like you've already found. The stud that threads into the case, and then the filter threads onto it, is part number 15211AA000, and has an MSRP of $3.70

 

 

 

So, while my answer is still a resounding maybe...there's some more information about it from the Subaru catalogs. I think I'd probably try it. Maybe order the part through your local dealer, and get under the car and take that cover off and compare it with the filter. FYI, Subaru (as with many manufacturers) is very finicky about returns, if the package has been opened, your dealer will probably not be able to get credit. So, tell them what you're doing ahead of time (and that you won't open it unless it looks like it'll work), and they'll probably be fine with it.

[1 Lucky Texan]

was there a change to exhaust routing that created interference?

[RallyKeith]

was there a change to exhaust routing that created interference?

Nope. Filter is on the driver's side and the exhaust is on the passenger's side. I already ordered the stud as Subaru calls it. Not worried about returns at a total of $14 investment in filter and stud. I just know the fluid that came out when I replaced the rusted hard lines looked like it would definitely benefit from having a filter, especially since it's got 162k on it. In an effort to make this thing last I may pull the pan and replace the strainer right away. I'm just over worried because of the hard lines having been rusted out and the transmission possibly being low on fluid as the lines were leaking. 

[1 Lucky Texan]

oh, gotcha

 

make sure to get the 'real' OEM style filter - it isn't built the same as an engine oil filter.

Edited May 2, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan

[idosubaru]

i wouldn't waste your time on the internal strainer, it doesn't do much.  it's a screen - if it's so clogged as to be problematic then the transission won't last 10,000 miles no matter what you do. i've never seen one be anything but clean and maybe some specs.

[RallyKeith]

i wouldn't waste your time on the internal strainer, it doesn't do much.  it's a screen - if it's so clogged as to be problematic then the transission won't last 10,000 miles no matter what you do. i've never seen one be anything but clean and maybe some specs.

Well, if I'm being honest I want to see the magnet and how much material is on it. I probably won't do it unless something doesn't seem right.

[Numbchux]

was there a change to exhaust routing that created interference?

 

As far as I know, all the cars that got the remote filter had a second primary cat right under where the filter goes. So I do think that was the reason for the relocation. But that is not the case with the cars that don't have one at all.

 

 

 

 

I agree that with the condition of the lines like that, it wouldn't be a bad idea to drop the pan and clean the magnets. I think the strainer can be cleaned, too.

[idosubaru]

should be easilyl cleanable as chux said.  the strainer is just a simple screen so it can definitely be blown/washed out in reverse direction.  and given they usually have very minimal amount of material in them it should clean relatively easily. 

[Bushwick]

Buy a couple cans of generic oven cleaner. The generic oven cleaner is a generic Easy Off. I used to get cans at Dollar store or Giant Eagle for like $2 each. It has lye in it, and will remove heavy greases and oil-based gunk off cast iron, steel, and aluminum 10x better than ANY auto parts degreaser, but it will dull polished aluminum. Cast aluminum won't be hurt or matter.

 

Shake can, then spray on the inside of the pan and let it set for 4-5 minutes, then rinse off with garden hose water. If your valve covers have seeped oil onto the crossmember, block, etc. it'll clean them to bare metal regardless of how thick. 

 

You'll most likely have that silver varnish built up in the actual pan. It might pad material, I'm not sure. But that oven cleaner will strip it right out, so you'll have a very clean pan.

 

I'm NOT a fan of sealed anything, as all the the manufacturer needs to worry about is the car holding together long enough to get out of warranty, then it's on you. They push ultra thin engine oils now which in the short-term, reduce friction and might get better EPA ratings, but when a plethora of engines are spinning bearings at 8k miles, something is wrong. 

 

Anyhow, the point is having fresh fluid in the trans plus an extra filter, will prolong life. Could even go a step further (if towing anything, it's a must) and you can run an external cooler.

[1 Lucky Texan]

I'm not sure lye would be safe on aluminum - maybe heavy castings would be OK, not sure about sealing surfaces. They may etch.

[aba4430]

We have a 2008 Impreza OBS and I do not see any provision for an external spin on filter, not even a block-off plate.  When I ordered a filter, thinking I was ordering a spin-on filter, I received a routine transmission screen filter that is specified for our OBS based on the VIN.  OP, do you have any pictures about this block-off plate? Or can you provide a link to the parts diagram you reference?

[Numbchux]

Block off is in a box in the bottom-center of this illustration:

http://opposedforces.com/parts/impreza/en_g12/type_6/automatic_transmission/at_transmission_case/illustration_2/

 

Your car should have it.

[1 Lucky Texan]

Block off is in a box in the bottom-center of this illustration:

http://opposedforces.com/parts/impreza/en_g12/type_6/automatic_transmission/at_transmission_case/illustration_2/

 

Your car should have it.

interesting! When you remove that to add a filter - is there a center pipe you add?

 

EDIT - looks like you need 15211AA000 ???

Edited May 12, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan

[Numbchux]

interesting! When you remove that to add a filter - is there a center pipe you add?

 

EDIT - looks like you need 15211AA000 ???

 

Yep, it looks like it. That's what the original question in this thread was. Keith said he ordered that part, hopefully he'll follow up whether it works or not.

[RallyKeith]

Yep, it looks like it. That's what the original question in this thread was. Keith said he ordered that part, hopefully he'll follow up whether it works or not.

I've got the part. I was very disappointed that it literally looks like it's a 1-1/2" x 1/2" pipe thread nipple, but at the price I can't complain. I'm not going to get to this until most likely a week or two. I'll update once it's done. 

[aba4430]

I will get under and take another look.

[RallyKeith]

I will get under and take another look.

 

http://parts.subaru.com/a/Subaru_2008_Impreza25L-SS-4WDOutback-Sport-Wagon/_52093_6022093/AT--TRANSMISSION-CASE-FITTING-08MY-08MY/G12-154-02.html

 

Edited May 12, 2016 by RallyKeith

[RallyKeith]

For the pipe nipple:

http://parts.subaru.com/a/Subaru_2008_Impreza25L-SS-4WDOutback-Sport-Wagon/_52093_6022168/AT--TRANSMISSION-CASE-TRANSMISSION-CASE/G12-154-01.html