ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2011-12 MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines
UP to and Including VIN C*411693

NUMBER: 02-147-13R
DATE: 12/09/13
SUBJECT: Surface Treatment Change To Oil Control Piston Rings REVISED: 05/27/14

INTRODUCTION
This bulletin provides information regarding a change made to the surface treatment applied to
the oil control piston rings for 2.5L FB engines. The change was made as a result of some limited
findings of unanticipated wear of these rings resulting from variations in cylinder roughness / finish.
Since the root cause of the wear in this case is the variation in cylinder roughness/ finish, vehicles
identified with this condition which are within the listed VIN range will require replacement of the
engine short block. If affected by this condition, engine oil consumption will be consistently higher
than normal and remain that way. Once this wear occurs, the condition remains until it is repaired.
Unusual swings or variations in oil consumption are not consistent with this condition and may be
the result of vehicle usage patterns rather than the condition described here. Additional information
is supplied in this bulletin to assist with the assessment and determination if vehicle usage patterns
are a reason for varying rates of oil consumption.
It is critical to understand the nature of the concern as reported by the customer and to confirm any
actual condition prior to attempting repairs. Some oil consumption can and should be expected as
a by-product of engine operation where no concern exists. Failure to recognize this and correctly
diagnose the condition presented can result in unnecessary repairs and in the worst case, an increase
in oil consumption for the customer. The information supplied in this bulletin is only applicable to
a limited number of vehicles within the specific production range of this publication exhibiting the
condition(s) previously described.
NOTE: It is important to read and understand this bulletin completely before starting an oil
consumption test or initiating any repairs.
Concerns related to a possible oil consumption condition are generally initiated when the customer
believes the engine oil level on the dipstick has dropped since the last time it was checked.
This type of complaint by itself does not directly indicate a concern with the vehicle exists. It is
important to understand all the factors involved in order to make a sound decision regarding
whether or not a repair is required or if an oil consumption test should even be started. When
speaking with customers about a reported or suspected oil consumption concern, always keep the
following in mind:
Continued...
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles, or
to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how
to do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Bulletin Number: 02-147-13R; Date: 05/27/14

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
“ISO 14001 COMPLIANT”
The international standard for excellence
in Environmental Management Systems.
Please recycle or dispose of automotive
products in a manner that is friendly to our
environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Page 1

Some engine oil will always be consumed as part of normal engine operation. How much and when
it is consumed varies according to manufacturing tolerances, wear, and vehicle usage patterns. With
the extended service intervals commonly used for today’s engines combined with one or more of
the conditions listed below, typical engine oil consumption may require the adding of engine oil inbetween scheduled maintenance intervals. Higher than expected oil consumption may occur under
any of the following conditions:
•

When the engine is new and within the break-in period (during the first
1000 miles of operation)

•

When the engine oil being used is of lower quality (other than “Energy or
Resource Conserving” API Classification SM or SN or ILSAC, look for the
starburst design with GF-4 or GF-5)

•

When the incorrect oil viscosity is used (viscosity other than 0W-20 in the
case of these specific vehicles)

•

When engine braking is employed (Downshifting to make use of the
transmission’s gear ranges to decelerate the vehicle by using the engine to
apply braking force)

•

When the engine is operated at high engine speeds (Continually or under frequent and
repetitive hard acceleration such as frequent freeway merging)

•

When the engine is operated under heavy loads (Frequent carrying of cargo, multiple
passengers or trailer towing)

•

When the engine idles for long periods of time (Frequent use of a remote engine start
system followed by some period of idling as an example)

•

When the vehicle is operated in stop and go and/or heavy traffic situations

•

When the vehicle is used under severe temperature conditions (Cold or hot)

•

When the vehicle accelerates and decelerates frequently

•

Frequent short-trips where the engine may not get up to full operating temperature.

Under these or similar operating conditions, the oil level should be checked regularly. The engine
oil and filter may also need to be changed more often.
Oil remains suspended in the engine while running and will not fully drain back until the engine
has been shut off for at least 5 minutes. This is why waiting at least 5 minutes while parked on a
level surface before checking the oil level is critical to getting an accurate gauge of the oil level in
the engine. Checking the oil level too quickly after engine shut down or when parked on an incline
will result in a false low reading. Always confirm the oil level using the listed guides to ensure an
accurate reading.
NOTE: The engine’s specified oil capacity is 5.5 US quarts.
PART INFORMATION
•

Replacement Short Block Assy. p.n. 10103AC460 has the updated piston rings installed at
the time of manufacturing.
PART

SIZE

Short Block Assy. (New p.n.)

PART NUMBER
10103AC460

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-147-13R; Date: 05/27/14

Page 2

The chart below provides a required part list for the short block replacement procedure as outlined in
this bulletin. It is provided as a reference only. Always verify with your Parts Department the most
up-to-date part numbers are ordered.
PART NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QTY. /REPAIR

11821AA660

PCV Adaptor

1

44011AC030

Exhaust Gasket

2

44616AA200

Center Pipe Gasket

1

14035AA580

Intake Gasket

2

14852AA040

1

EGR Pipe Gasket

14738AA150
806912190

1
3

O-Ring, Chain Cover

806924120

1

806915100

O-Ring, Tensioner >1/12

1

806916080

O-Ring, Tensioner 2/12>

1

10966AA040

Seal, Spark Plug Tube

4

13270AA240

1

Rocker Gasket

13272AA170
806915170

1

O-Ring, Cam Carrier

11044AA790

4
1

Head Gasket

10944AA080

1

806932030

O-Ring, Upper Oil Pan

3

21236AA050

Thermostat Gasket

1

806939060

O-Ring, Crank Extension

1

806750080

Oil Seal, Front Crankshaft

1

16608KA000

4

Injector O-Rings

16698AA110

4

15208AA15A

Oil Filter

1

803916010

Gasket, Drain Plug

1

806933010

O-Ring, Coolant Cross-Over

2

MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS (WARRANTY PART NUMBERS)
PART

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

SOA635065
SOA635041
SOA635045

ThreeBond 1280B / 1217G
Super Coolant, (qt.)
Engine Oil (qt.) 0W-20

1
8
6

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-147-13R; Date: 05/27/14

Page 3

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
Before starting any repairs, the first step is to always confirm the customer’s complaint. It is critical
to get as much information from the customer as possible to allow for the most accurate diagnosis.
•

Review all the available service and repair history along with any other records the customer
can provide to establish whether or not the vehicle has been properly maintained.

•

Perform a thorough visual inspection to make sure there are no external oil leaks that could
be contributing to the condition.

•

It is also very important to not overlook the engine’s PCV system and to confirm it is
operating properly. Check the air filter assembly and throttle body / intake manifold for any
excessive oil residue which could be an indicator of a sticking or failed PCV valve.

NOTE: An oil consumption test will need to be completed to determine the proper course of action.
There is a specific procedure and Oil Consumption Test form to be used with this bulletin ONLY.
IMPORTANT: As of 11/5/2013, a revised Oil Consumption Test form and new submission
procedures have been established. This revised form is located on Subarunet>Service>Forms >
NEW Consolidated Engine Oil Consumption Test. It includes a group of 5 questions which must
be answered at the time the car is presented with an oil consumption concern where a technician
believes an oil consumption concern may exist. Once this questionnaire section of the form is
completed, it must be faxed to 856-488-3199. Upon completion of the actual consumption test, the
remainder of the form must be completed and faxed AGAIN to 856-488-3199. This information is
being collected for quality assurance purposes only. You will not receive any response from these
submissions. This is NOT an authorization process. Proceed with any necessary testing or repairs as
indicated by the information provided in this service bulletin, the Oil Consumption Test form results,
Subaru’s Claims Policies and Procedures, and your evaluation of the actual condition presented based
upon your review of all three areas. Keep in mind, these repairs should only be completed when
unusual oil consumption has been confirmed.
NOTE: If an oil consumption test was started using the standard oil consumption test form (old
form) or if a consumption test using the standard form (old form) was recently completed, there is
no need to start a new test. Compare the results from the standard (old) form to the TSB-specific oil
consumption test form (new form) and proceed using the TSB-specific form’s guidelines. Submit the
results collected on the standard form along with the completed top portion of the TSB-specific oil
consumption test form to the fax number listed in the TSB-specific oil consumption test form. Retain
copies of both forms in the repair order file for the vehicle. If you are unsure if the vehicle qualifies
for repair or if additional oil consumption testing is required, contact the Subaru Technical Helpline
to review this area before proceeding further.
Before initiating the consumption test, all basic checks must be completed. These include (but are
not limited to): confirming the actual oil level, noting if oil has been added prior to this visit and how
much, checking for any external leaks, confirming PCV operation, and verifying that a consumption
test has not already been started or completed previously. Always use the latest TSB- specific oil
consumption test form found on Subarunet in the Service Forms area. Fill out the top portion of the
FB Engine Oil Control Ring TSB Oil Consumption Test Form then change the engine oil and filter.
NOTE: The oil and filter change is only necessary if no prior consumption test has been completed
or is already in process. There is no need for duplicate or repeat testing. One-time documented
results are all that is required to move forward with these repairs. Always close the repair order on
the day the oil change has been completed and submit the claim for the oil consumption test using the
coding provided at the end of this bulletin. Indicate “Oil Consumption Test” in the comments field /
box when entering your claim. DO NOT hold the repair order open until the vehicle returns. Have
the customer drive the vehicle then return for inspection when either of the following have occurred:
•

At least 1200 miles have elapsed

•