Bought one of those oil filter cutters, going to start chopping open filters when I can (separate the metal for recycling mostly). I opened up the filter on 1999 Camry, as it turned 200k on the clock and I run 5k OCI's. After draining out oil I wiped the canister clean, then set the filter element on a paper towel to dry it out a bit, then looked to see what there was.
I used a small screwdriver and managed to pull out some carbon. I don't think I found any metal flakes (thought I saw some, but I think I was seeing things), but there were some spots where it seemed like a lot of carbon. A lot be relatively--far from filling in the pleats. It seemed like there was more in there than what I pulled out (by no means did I scrape every pleat).
The paper towel that the element drained onto seems kinda dark, like with really fine particles.
I'm thinking one of the following is true:
1. Nothing to see here. This is what oil filters do. It's an old motor, it might be still shedding old carbon (bought used with 140k). It might be blowby. Since the pleats aren't full, 5k OCI might be on the short side.
2. Something to see here. No cause for alarm but it indicates that the oil is starting to break down. I buy Supertech high mileage conventional 5W30. This 5S-FE is "known" for being hard on oil. I've found the limit, and perhaps a better oil is called for. Let's be clear: I might drive mostly highway with no short trips but it sees 4k on every drive. 5k multiple times per week.
3. Eh, that's a fair amount of carbon for 5k. You're got problems.
I'm leaning towards #1. But what the heck, let's post some pics and increase my post count.
[Any filter damage in the pics is from me removing from the canister. Toyota OEM filter, 5k OCI, Supertech 5W30 high mileage conventional.]
I used a small screwdriver and managed to pull out some carbon. I don't think I found any metal flakes (thought I saw some, but I think I was seeing things), but there were some spots where it seemed like a lot of carbon. A lot be relatively--far from filling in the pleats. It seemed like there was more in there than what I pulled out (by no means did I scrape every pleat).
The paper towel that the element drained onto seems kinda dark, like with really fine particles.
I'm thinking one of the following is true:
1. Nothing to see here. This is what oil filters do. It's an old motor, it might be still shedding old carbon (bought used with 140k). It might be blowby. Since the pleats aren't full, 5k OCI might be on the short side.
2. Something to see here. No cause for alarm but it indicates that the oil is starting to break down. I buy Supertech high mileage conventional 5W30. This 5S-FE is "known" for being hard on oil. I've found the limit, and perhaps a better oil is called for. Let's be clear: I might drive mostly highway with no short trips but it sees 4k on every drive. 5k multiple times per week.
3. Eh, that's a fair amount of carbon for 5k. You're got problems.
I'm leaning towards #1. But what the heck, let's post some pics and increase my post count.
[Any filter damage in the pics is from me removing from the canister. Toyota OEM filter, 5k OCI, Supertech 5W30 high mileage conventional.]