[ajm8127]

Because the filter is not in a metal can, I couldn't resist the urge to cut off the end caps of the oil filter and check it out. I cleaned my fine tooth hacksaw blade and off the end caps came. Does anyone else make a habit of this?

My filter looked clean except for some very small metal flakes that are only really visible under strong light. They were few and far between. I have no experience with inspecting the media of an engine oil filter, so I have no idea what constitutes "normal".

Anyone have experience doing this?

[JamesM3M5]

The whole outside of the filter is the "inlet" side, so no need to cut anything. Just poke between the pleats and inspect with a bright light.

[ajm8127]

Originally Posted by JamesM3M5

The whole outside of the filter is the "inlet" side, so no need to cut anything. Just poke between the pleats and inspect with a bright light.

True, but for me it's faster to cut off the ends and expand the media into a long sheet rather than looking in between each individual pleat.