Can I take a UOA sample from the oil filter?

[novadude]

Now I KNOW this is not the proper way to do things, however....

I was helping my Dad change oil in his '96 Buick 3.1L, and we noticed some condensation around the fill cap. I am fearing this may be coolant since this is the dreaded GM 60 deg engine. Can I just pull the filter and collect my UOA sample from there, or do I need to dump the new oil? I am not worried about accurate insoluable readings... just looking for Potassium and Sodium.

If this is a bad idea, let me know why.

 

[DavoNF]

Is this a new filter on the car? So it's got new oil and a new filter. If that is the case, just loosen the drain plug and get a small sample out of there. No need to dump the lot. Any large amounts of water will be sitting under the oil anyway.

Dave

 

[Terry]

Forget the filter sample unless there is just no other choice ( catastrophic failure with total loss of fluid in a forensics situation).

Loosen drain plug and allow a clearing stream of 15 or 20 seconds and sample, tighten plug.

Better yet procure a fluid sampling pump that is easily cleanable and with fresh PCV tubing sample through the dip stick access.

Find a CAT dealer nearby to procure the hand pump.

 

[TallPaul]

This is where an oil pan drain valve like the Fram Sure Drain is very handy in place of the standard plug.