some metal flakes on oil filter

[Spykem4e]

Hi guys,

yesterday it was time for the oil change on the 2005 CTS 3,6l since the olm was at 0% with 19 000 kms on the OCI with 5 months of use. I changed the oil with fresh Mobil 1 5w30 and also I changed, as usual, the oil filter with an OEM Ac Delco cartridge type. I sent an oil sample for analysis so in 4 to 5 days, I'll receive the results.

For the first time in my life, I decided to cut the cartridge to see what the oil filter was made. It was the first time I saw it and was very impressed but there's something I don't like to see: metal flakes.

At each 4-5 plies, I can see one or 2 metal flakes but not more. When I checked the other side, everything is good (hopefully). Should I be concerned by those small a very few metal flakes on the oil filter? Is this normal?

 

[labman]

How did you cut it open? Sometimes that leads to contamination.

 

[Spykem4e]

I took the cartridge and cut the paper element with a cutter so I could stretch it to see what was trapped!

No gunk, nothing... except 1 or 2 metal flakes every 4 to 5 plies. I think the oil filter is the pf4129 oem.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Was it a can and how did you cut the can? Only a pipe/ tubing cutter will leave little cutting residue. Saw or dremel - forget it.

 

[PT1]

Almost 12,000 mile OCI on Mobil 1 would never happen in one of my cars. I don't go past 6000 for that reason and usually change at 5000. Oil is cheap...engines are not. UOA or not...finding metal in the filter is a problem.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I see it is a drop in cartridge with metal end caps. Do you have warm engine noise/racket? Chain motors can throw off more junk in the oil - could be some minor casting flash from cam bearing caps and cam parting lines - would think this all would be gone by now though. I would worry a little. Is it a prohibitive task to get the cam covers off and take a peek there?

 

[Spykem4e]

Originally Posted By: PT1
Almost 12,000 mile OCI on Mobil 1 would never happen in one of my cars. I don't go past 6000 for that reason and usually change at 5000. Oil is cheap...engines are not. UOA or not...finding metal in the filter is a problem.


I give it a shot at the OLM until the change oil soon message appears on the DIC. Usually, its at 10k miles but don't ask me why, it was almost at 12k miles this time. I was a little concerned, but I said to myself, I'll give the OLM a chance.

For the type of filter :

I used a cutter to cut the paper element. Maybe its the cutter that makes those flakes, I don't know.

 

[Spykem4e]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I see it is a drop in cartridge with metal end caps. Do you have warm engine noise/racket? Chain motors can throw off more junk in the oil - could be some minor casting flash from cam bearing caps and cam parting lines - would think this all would be gone by now though. I would worry a little. Is it a prohibitive task to get the cam covers off and take a peek there?


thats how I cut the paper element:

I used to have a warm rattle noise which I fixed: it was 2 things

-serpentine belt wear until metal to metal contact with pulleys
-loose screw on the firewall.

No unusual sound anymore. I know that cadillac has some problem with timing chains but mine didn't show any sign about that.

There's 3 timing chains in the car, so maybe thats why?

When you say cam cover (sorry for my ignorance), is it the valve cover? If so, I can do it, but after winter since I just did a tune up before the winter and I have to take off the plenum and couple of things.

I can't wait to see the used oil analysis results...