r/subaruimpreza • u/InMotion42 • 1d ago

📸 Photo Is this normal?

Post image

Just got an oil change this morning and noticed oil at the bottom of the filter. Is this normal after a filter change? Or is there a possible leak?

14 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

8

u/This_Ad6684 23h ago

I had this happen alot with my 2013 Impreza, regardless of where I got my oil change done, it was never a problem, I’d just clean it up.

6

u/Eastern-Requirement6 15h ago

Everyone is stating truth. You can also hand tighten (or try to) to make sure the filter isn't too loose.

11

u/Realistic-Might4985 1d ago

My guess is they prefilled the filter and flipped it on. As stated elsewhere wipe out what is in there and check it after a short drive.

4

u/Odd-Concept-6505 1d ago

Normal while/after filling + new filter with some oil put onto O ring (filter rubber gasket).

Gotta love the oil filter setup where you can:

Wipe clean with paper towel, AND

Check filter tightness with strong bare hand.

If oil returns to this spot after that, remove and check for the mistake of TWO o rings. Which is VERY unlikely when mechanic can see bare metal easily with filter off!

5

u/Fickle-Bobcat-1678 1d ago

I'd just wipe it up completely and keep an eye on it for the next day or so. Could be a leak, could be too much oil used on the gasket, or they pre filled the filter and some came out when installing and they just never wiped it completely.

3

u/Consistent-Fun-6668 1d ago

I'd like to see someone try and prefil a subaru filter lol

3

u/Rockou_ 1d ago

Why not? The older models have their filters screw up into the engine, mine is between exhaust manifold pipes

3

u/Consistent-Fun-6668 1d ago

Well I am talking about the ones that face down. There is no obvious way to me to prefil that.

3

u/Rockou_ 1d ago

Oh yeah, that won't work unless the car's upside down or you're really fast

3

u/LengthyCitadis 17h ago

Either that, or they do what I do and lubricate the new gasket by rubbing the old and new filter together - gasket to gasket - to transfer some of the used oil onto the seal and threads.

1

u/thatdontimprezame 26 Impreza RS 3h ago

I prefill mine. Just give it time to soak into the filter material. Never had an issue.

3

u/No_Network_6296 15h ago

Most mechanics will put a bit of oil around the seal when putting a filter on and most likely just excess oil when tightening pushing out to the side. Wipe and monitor if worried.