Cutting open an oil filter
One of the few things I got done over the weekend was changing the oil in my sportster. I like to check the old filter for metal particles as a diagnostic tool. You need to cut it open because the oil flows from the outside in. First, pop a hole in the side, near the top, I used a screwdriver.
Then I use a nibbler to cut all the way around.
Now you can look at the pleats and check for metal (or plastic).
You can buy a tool just for cutting open filters, but the nibbler works great and it can be used to cut any light gauge sheet metal. My filter looked clean, so all those noises that the bike makes must be created in a way that doesn’t make metal shavings.
Great idea to use a nibbler! Gonna go cut me an oil filter.
Comment by -craigt — May 13, 2006 @ 2:26 am
what the hell are you doing
Comment by Anonymous — October 12, 2006 @ 11:01 am
why cut the oil filter?
Comment by Anonymous — October 12, 2006 @ 11:01 am
Looking at the inside of the oil filter is a great way to see if your engine has problems. If you see metal particles or shavings you can possible catch a bad rod bearing before it lets go and ruins the whole engine. This is especially important on Harleys, since they normally have lots of clicks and clacks in the engine, making it hard to tell when something is failing.
Its also good to check on a used car when you don’t know the maintaince history (you don’t want to start on a crosscounty trip with a motor that’s about to grenade).
Comment by Administrator — October 12, 2006 @ 11:26 am