How to inspect used Oil Filters

Most of the experts and Cat trained mechanics recommend inspecting oil filters to see if there is any metal or contaminants in them to give an indication of engine problems. What is the best way to attack these things?

I just changed the oil on my D8 1H. The previous owner said it hadn't been changed for 20 years. It has the full flow filters. I pulled the inspection cover off the sump and it had about 1/16" of black sludge in there. I didn't find any sign of metal or any broken bits in there. The engine looked really clean inside. A very impresive piece of machinery for being built in 1939.

Tom

Take filters out and cut the folded paper loose at the top and bottem of the filter. Then cut vertically once and lay it out flat. Look at the outside surface, down in the folds will be most debris.
Later Bob

As Bob said cut the filter, I also squeeze the cut section in a vice. Not the whole filter but a section. If you are making metal you will see it. There most likely will be some metal flaking.this is normal. Also Look to what kind of metal brass iron bearing material, chunks of o ring and the amount of carbon/dirt. All these are clues to wear and pending failures
Oil change interval etc
When I ran the plant in Mucurdo and was doing the Maintaince at tridents plant In Akutan AK. I would keep a section of the filter in a plastic bag label with the equipment # hr and date. This way I could compare the filter and note a trend in the amount of metalcarbon etc. The metal spin on filter. Invest in a filter cutter. Cutting with a hack saw if you’re not careful you get cutting in the filter which can cause heart burn. Get the full value out of you oil change and filter expense.
Hit up your local Cat dealer, there some of good hand outs available.Mimmial cost and more than likely free, Oil In your engine is a good one
Has a lot of good information.

here a example of a filter with too maney hr on it note how the pleats are collapxing. If I remember this was a main bearing failure.

Dam varments wanting into my garage 😊
Steve