Trying to cut open a Wix 51334...

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So, this is my first filter cutting experience. I've cut at the "seam" around the canister at the base plate and it now moves freely(the base plate) but I can't pull the base plate off to remove filter/dispose of canister. What do I do next? Thanks.
 
Originally Posted By: Silver_civic
Pliers and pry or wiggle the plate off or if there is a little flap of metal, use tin snips or I use heavy duty sheetmetal cutting shears.
Wear heavy gloves. Don't ask how I know to recommend wearing heavy gloves.
 
I'll have to finish it later. It appears that the end cap is melded to the base plate and won't release separate from it. Thanks for the tip on wearing thick gloves. Will do.
 
Tell ya a trick that my dad uses to cut open all his wix/napa gold filters. He said he takes a large exhaust tubing cutter that I believe is a S-K or CORNWELL one, and after he cuts open bout 8-10, he changes cutting wheels, and puts a lil marvel mystery oil on it. Works like a charm.
 
Okay...so, last night...I finally got it open.
banana2.gif


This was after letting it sit in the garage for the last 5 months since the oil change and initially not using vise grips to pry on the thing(note to self, slice into the canister with something other than a BOW SAW next time).

Alright, the pics, filter was in use for 5,100 miles:

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/7504/1003591m.jpg

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/7421/1003592y.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4607/1003593p.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5959/1003594b.jpg

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3214/1003595e.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3977/1003597h.jpg
 
Good job!!

Looks good. Thanx for sharing.
I never like seeing those big uneven spaces in the pleating but I'm sure it's just cosmetic.
A rotary tool works good for me, I just cut it about 1/4" below the where the can meets the base plate. Like this
 
Originally Posted By: cp3
Good job!!

Looks good. Thanx for sharing.
I never like seeing those big uneven spaces in the pleating but I'm sure it's just cosmetic.
A rotary tool works good for me, I just cut it about 1/4" below the where the can meets the base plate. Like this


Nice, I realized this in retrospect as probably the better method.

Also, the pleat spacing was indeed wider around the metal seam in the picture, but otherwise uniform around the rest of filter. I have an Amsoil EaO20 lying in the pan outside, but it hasn't drained any out. I want to cut that one open too, since it was on the vehicle when my 'initial replacement' Oil Pressure Switch(dummy light) 'started' to come on while driving. Leading to concerns about oil pressure, etc. ...filter change and new OPS from the dealer, no problems.

So, if the filter is 'full' maybe I could learn by opening it up. Is there a way to look at the filter now removed to see if the bypass opened???
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
Is there a way to look at the filter now removed to see if the bypass opened???

No. And I can almost guarantee it opened some each time you drove away with a cold engine. It's not an emergency thing.
 
Originally Posted By: Virtuoso
That's a [censored] of a gap!


The thought has crossed my mind: Why were more pleats not included in this filter, since it apparently had the space?

Originally Posted By: river_rat
Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
Is there a way to look at the filter now removed to see if the bypass opened???

No. And I can almost guarantee it opened some each time you drove away with a cold engine. It's not an emergency thing.


Okay, I keep forgetting to keep that in perspective regarding oil filters and the way their own bypass works in relation to actual operation, not just the 'emergency' or 'max capacity' scenario. Funny how scares can affect your perception of things.
grin2.gif
 
Original post: 04/17/11

This post: 9/28/11

Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
Okay...so, last night...I finally got it open.
banana2.gif



Took a while to open that one up, huh?
lol.gif
 
Any grits between pleats? It is good idea to get little dirty, cut media off and unfold it. May see lots more than before.
 
ive been curious on what these exact ones look like inside. Doesnt look bad at all. have one of these in a 93 accord going for 10k miles.

thanks for sharing!
 
Good job with the cut, sometimes you have to just take your time with things...lol.

Thanks for the pics

BTW: once I started cutting open my filters, I can't throw one away without dissecting it to see how it did.
 
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^lol, I have a feeling that's going to be me. I guess investing in a better method of 'slicing' is worth it. I need to go down to Harbor Freight for an oil pressure kit to get readings on the Civic this filter came off of any. *fingers crossed*
 
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