Metal Shavings on filter threads MC FL500S

[sch]

Hi,

I wanted to get peoples opinion or experience with metal particles or shavings on oil filter canister threads. It first started a WIX 57060XP I bought for my brand new LS3 (Chevy SS) in 2017, I inspected the filter and noticed that with a paper towel I could wipe the base of the filter and the threads and see shiny metallic particles come off. I immediately switched to Baldwin filters because they have always been clean with a wipe. Now I have a 2019 F150 5.0 and I did the first oil change, I had two FL500S filters that I had bought from the dealer but checked them before installing and didn't like what I saw with how dirty the threads were(See pictures) I decided to make an emergency drive to Walmart to buy some different filters and spent 5 minutes looking at all the FL500S in stock and they looked much cleaner. I got home, wiped out one of the new filters with a shop towel, got a couple of metal shavings, subsequent wipings didn't get anymore, and I needed the truck the next day so I installed it.

I want to continue to use Motorcraft because I read somewhere or saw a Ford ad describing the benefits of the base bypass instead of the top by pass most other filters have including Baldwin. But having to worry about metal shavings in the clean side of the filter is not fun. So the question is do other people share my experience? The dealer uses these Motorcraft Filters probably without inspecting them every day so I have to assume that severe engine damage is not likely, but one of the reasons I change my own oil is because I care more about my vehicle then any oil change guy at the dealer could, so I would like to use a filter that won't introduce contamination.

 

[Chris142]

That's been a Purolater Problem for as long as I can remember.

 

[double vanos]

I use FL500S filters, have seen the same thing. Rest of the filter looked good so I wiped the threads out with an oily rag and put it to work. No problems yet.

 

[Job]

Some makers put plastic over the end to show they care. The base plates could be washed and dried but that eats into profit or even makes the price too high to compete, because others aren't doing it. Besides the whole factory air is probably dirty where they are assembled.

 

[Mr Nice]

Originally Posted by double vanos
I use FL500S filters, have seen the same thing. Rest of the filter looked good so I wiped the threads out with an oily rag and put it to work. No problems yet.



Yep.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I always clean the threads on any oil filter I use, regardless of brand. They are all dirty to some extent.

 

[Vern_in_IL]

They won't hurt a thing, even though it is on the "filtered" side of the filter, a few shavings in your main bearings won't hurt a thing!

I've always compressed air that area wearing glasses

 

[CR94]

When chips or shavings are visible in the threads, more are likely hiding inside where you can't see them. Another drawback of spin-ons ...

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted by CR94
When chips or shavings are visible in the threads, more are likely hiding inside where you can't see them. Another drawback of spin-ons ...


Look down the center tube with a good LED flashlight to verify.

 

[Job]

So debris on the thread will be left on the exposed thread after tightening or carried along in the baseplate thread? That seems to be the question. Just depends. I think it's a sorry folks your engine gets dirt in it and not just through the air filter housing. Rags, shops, dust everywhere, and it all is trying to get in. Maybe just ignore it. Most do.

 

[53' Stude]

I usually use a paper towel and wipe inside around threaded area. Not like it's a real big deal

 

[CR94]

Originally Posted by 53' Stude
I usually use a paper towel and wipe inside around threaded area. Not like it's a real big deal
Good plan to pick up particles you can't see, even with a flashlight.

 

[WyrTwister]

Have to admit , never considered this . Would such chips / dirt be able to get into the engine ?

 

[PimTac]

Sloppy manufacturing. I've never seen this on any Denso or Roki filters.

 

[DudeNiceRide]

Originally Posted by WyrTwister
Have to admit , never considered this . Would such chips / dirt be able to get into the engine ?



Depends. You'd hope they'd just get caught in the media. But then again when the filter is running the bypass valve loop, it's not being filtered anyways.

The threads appear to be cut (not rolled). Those base plates are probably threaded when they're just plates. Then Purolator swedges on their thinner gasket plate through the flow holes. Both the thread-cutting and swedge processes are dirty processes that can easily get out of hand from a cleanliness perspective.

You may also find some small burrs and metallic debris on the perforated columns inside the cartridge. Another low-tech process where a punch tool can wear, material properties change and effect process, etc that can result in debris on the part. Mfg'ers love to stretch the tooling game as long as possible to avoid cost and change-overs, so yes it can often get out of hand.

If I remember correctly, there's an ISO and SAE method for measuring the cleanliness of filter. Also used to call it "media migration" back in the day. That's where the debris would show up on a bench test.

 

[dogememe]

I've never noticed this on any filter. I'm going to start checking more carefully but I do always quickly inspect all my oil filters before using them. If I saw this, I would NOT use that filter. One of those little shavings could ruin the engine, couldn't it...

 

[CR94]

Originally Posted by DudeNiceRide
Originally Posted by WyrTwister
... Would such chips / dirt be able to get into the engine ?
Depends. You'd hope they'd just get caught in the media. .
Particles left in that area (the clean side of the media) won't be caught by the media (unless on a subsequent trip though the oiling system).

 

[53' Stude]

Cr94: yeah, I always do it. Seems to be a small amount of gray snot or what have ya on some of the filters. Sometimes not

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted by CR94

Originally Posted by DudeNiceRide
Originally Posted by WyrTwister
... Would such chips / dirt be able to get into the engine ?
Depends. You'd hope they'd just get caught in the media. .
Particles left in that area (the clean side of the media) won't be caught by the media (unless on a subsequent trip though the oiling system).


Yep, because if there's something on the threads of the filter it can get pushed to the end of the the threaded mounting spud as the filter is screwed on, which puts the debris right in the clean stream of the oil going into the engine.

 

[DudeNiceRide]

Originally Posted by ZeeOSix
Originally Posted by CR94

Originally Posted by DudeNiceRide
Originally Posted by WyrTwister
... Would such chips / dirt be able to get into the engine ?
Depends. You'd hope they'd just get caught in the media. .
Particles left in that area (the clean side of the media) won't be caught by the media (unless on a subsequent trip though the oiling system).


Yep, because if there's something on the threads of the filter it can get pushed to the end of the the threaded mounting spud as the filter is screwed on, which puts the debris right in the clean stream of the oil going into the engine.


Right - I get it. It also looks like there's some crap on the face of the threaded plate itself. Either way, not a very clean production system.

I understand getting some cardboard fibers or something on the gasket or maybe trace amounts of silica (it's everywhere) and non-metallic process "debris". But metal particles in a product designed to keep metal particles from getting in your engine....c'monnnnn!

The 20-30 (or bigger) micron particles are the ones that matter - big enough to score a bearing or else block an orifice.