Debris found in oil filter

[apbright]

Just for curiosity, during a recent oil change, I ripped open the oil filter, to see what one can find inside. On the inlet side of the paper in the filter, I found some metal particles, per the photo. The particles are mostly max 1/16th-inch, a few slightly longer. Is this normal, or the sign of something having gone wrong.

For what it's worth, the engine was rebuilt about 8000 miles / 1 year ago, converted to insert bearings. About 80% of those are highway miles at 55-60mph with a Mitchell 26% OD, stock rear end. The filter is the standard PH8A, on a 'full flow' filter kit.

[Dollar Bill]

Photo only shows a portion of the filter media. What did the rest of filter look like or was this all of the metal?

Metal filings in the oil filter isn't usually a good sign - Particularly after having been in service for the time you indicate.

How many oil/filter changes have been done?

Not the end of the world but I would recommend discussing this with the engine builder.

[johnneilson]

I would not be alarmed if this is all you found.
It looks like alum, hard to tell. Could it just be some debris from the oil filter mount where the line fittings were tapped?

If you are really concerned, send a sample of the oil out for analysis. This is where you can find out what is wearing by the concentrations of different materials. Make sure to inform the lab of all the information you know about the motor, insert bearings, aftermarket pistons and the rings used.

If that was a bearing, you would have already known it. The motor would have stopped long before you had a chance to look in the filter.

One parting note, I would consider using another brand filter if that is a Fram.

John

[katy]

One parting note, I would consider using another brand filter if that is a Fram.

Is there something wrong w/using Fram filters?
I've been using mostly Fram for years and never had a problem w/them?

[Rex_A_Lott]

Originally Posted by katy

Is there something wrong w/using Fram filters?
I've been using mostly Fram for years and never had a problem w/them?

Fram used to be a good filter, many years ago. Not so much any more. Most of the racers are using Wix or Napa gold (I think)...supposedly made by Wix.
YMMV.

[Fullraceflathead]

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Fram is now one of the worst Filters on the market. The inner paper material has been known to fail then you have no Filtered oil and no way of knowing it.
There is a very in depth study of all the various Oil Filters done a few years ago.
I unfortunately don't have a link for it. I'm sure it can be found doing some googling.

[Fullraceflathead]

Here is the Oil Filter article I was talking about.

http://wetwesties1.tripod.com/oilfilterstudy/

[SeaSlugs]

yea that page is 15 years old but fram are still junk today using the same cardboard crud inside them. spend the extra $0.15 and buy a purolator, wix, or napa gold

[CarlG]

I like the WIX 51515, just because it's black. Nevermind that it is an excellent filter.