What is the normal find when you cut open the oil filter?

[Tim Cucci]

What should be considered as normal particles. What would be bad ? Are micro particles bad or just normal? I have cut the filter open with a can opener and can see and feel very fine particles which are almost micro. This filter came off a rebuld with around 200 miles on it. I am not alarmed with this at this time but would like more opinions.
I took the element and laid on newspaper and let the paper soak the oil up while examining the particles under light.

Thanks
Tim

 

[Tim Cucci]

What did you guys find in your oil filter?
TTT

 

[Tim Cucci]

ttt

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

run the motor another 250 miles and change the oil again,

i would be alarmed if i found more particles everytime i changed the oil-

what color were the particles?

is this the first oil change??

did you change the oil right after cam break in??

 

[Tim Cucci]

Yes, This was the first oil change.
Cam is the same stock cam with same lifters and pushrods reinstalled in the same locations. No break in.
Particles are shiney.
I am hoping that it is just residue from machining work, Crank turned, honing. surfacing, rod recon, etc.
The particles are minor in amount but they are metalic particles.
More opinions?
Thanks
Tim

 

[PTETURBO]

It is normal to see a lot of fine glittery particals suspended in the oil on the outside of the filter.
Much as you described in your post. Also, In the folds of the filter you will normally find larger specs, hopefully not much larger than a pin head. You might also find bits of gasket material and oil soaked fuzz from assembly shop towels. The assembly lube from a new cam (flat tappet) usually is trapped in the folds as well.

At first the magnitude of the suff normally found is kind of shocking at first glance.


Good Luck

Harry Hruska
Precision Turbo

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

as long as the pieces you are finding dont turn into slivers that look like finger nail clippings

then you will be fine-

keep the oil pressure up

 

[Tim Cucci]

Thanks Harry and Quick,
I was kinda hoping it would be kinda normal after all why do we have an oil filter. Nothing large just small amount of glitter.

Harry, I tried to call you back a couple of times last week about my 38lb. JL chip You were busy on another line. I will call again on Monday. I know you are busy. I am still getting some KR.
Thanks
Tim