How many of you cut open your oil filter?

[WildHorse]

I do after every oil change. Mostly for peace of mind and to see what's in there. 31000 miles and it's still cleaner than clean. Not a spec of anything.

Sponsored

 

[SAL-E]

I never have.

 

[JJSSI]

I always cut my filters open and inspect (unless it is a cartridge type ).

 

[Andy13186]

I did once but it was an amsoil filter with pretty thick metal and I was using tin snips, took me like 20 mins to get it cut open then the filter media was wrapped with wire mesh so I couldnt really flatten it out . Didnt see much in there and I havent done it again. I was curious if ceratec was getting caught in it and there were no signs of that.

 

[Cobra Jet]

And for those cutting open their oil filters, attached is the Ford GSB G0000165 demonstrating proper method of checking the filter pleats:

 

[gixxersixxerman]

I just send mine off for a UOA, my previous cars I sent a sample off every 5K and changed at either 10k or 15k. I just hit 9k miles on this and was changed at 1k and 6k. So 11k I’ll send a sample off and see what they say. Plan on changing it at 15k and then every 10-15k after..... if I keep it that long. I haven’t had a car that’s hit 30k in 14 years. Working from home changed everything about commuting so no miles really.

 

[Andy13186]

I just send mine off for a UOA, my previous cars I sent a sample off every 5K and changed at either 10k or 15k. I just hit 9k miles on this and was changed at 1k and 6k. So 11k I’ll send a sample off and see what they say. Plan on changing it at 15k and then every 10-15k after..... if I keep it that long. I haven’t had a car that’s hit 30k in 14 years. Working from home changed everything about commuting so no miles really.

Too high of an oil change interval in my opinion, especially if you drive hard. My oil life indicates 0% after about 4k miles how I drive. Also I have to add about 1 quart every 2k miles. Also if you only do short trips and dont get the oil hot enough often enough to burn off condensation etc it can degrade after time and hardly any miles.

 

[RaceRed5.0]

Also if you only do short trips and dont get the oil hot enough often enough to burn off condensation etc it can degrade after time and hardly any miles.

Even with Semi-synthetic and synthetic? How long is that because I leave my oil in for about a year, I don't drive it that much though.

 

[RaceRed5.0]

Yeah, synth doesn't degrade. Of course now I've riled up all the armchair oil analysis experts....

That's what I thought. Haha I hope not.

 

[Elp_jc]

Yeah, synth doesn't degrade.

Well, the additives do, and those are the ones that neutralize acids, and fun stuff like that. Ha ha. And also remember the great majority of 'full synthetic' oils are actually group-III, which has a petroleum-based base stock, so not 100% synthetic at all. Welcome to US marketing .

 

[BluePonyGT]

I would only do this if I'm either breaking the engine in or suspect that I may have an issue going on.

What you're looking for is silver in the oil - glitter that speaks of possible damage to the rod or cam bearings. If you've ever lost oil pressure, or have an issue with the oil journaling system where the top or bottom end have been unpredictably starved of oil then you may want to do this as a diagnostic step that lets you know what your next steps might be. So that's why it's done on a new engine (especially pushrod engines with or without flat tappet cams) or an older one where you may suspect increasing wear is going on.

I use this one by the way:

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/805...MI1MqJ-PDK6wIVxJJbCh1cDg7ZEAQYAyABEgJrMfD_BwE

Sponsored