HOW-TO: Aircraft Oil Filter Inspection

A short video on how to properly remove the filter element from the filter housing and where and what to look for in the inspection.
This filter is off a Cont O-200 on a Cessna 150.
ACS OIL CAN CUTTER, $70.75
AIRCRAFT SPRUCE

[@JK-rv9tp]

I give the pleats a cursory inspection then go right to the varsol bath. Stir up the varsol with a neodium magnet from an ID badge held in forceps and rub it against the bottom. I get a tiny bit of microscopic metal fuzz or grey ferrous mud stuck to the magnet. Then I agitate the varsol, dump it in a black plastic takeout food tray, let is sit for a while, then drain it off and check what non-ferrous particles are sitting on the bottom. Easy to see against the black. Usually some tiny speckles that look like aluminum, probably piston skirt or wrist pin plug wear. This time around I found one tiny sliver of ferrous metal, which could be from a cam lobe, but also may have come from the method I used to hack the can open (a wood chisel - need to get a proper can opener). See what I get next time.

[@JlerchTampa]

I stopped using Exacto Knives and started using Surgical Blades and Handles, much more ergonomic and easier to use.

[@FlyingWildAZ]

Thanks James, I'll check those out.

[@JustPlaneSilly]

I see "glitter" in my filter but no slivers or chunks. Is that a reason for alarm?

[@BellyUpFishGarage]

LOL So many people upset over your choice of cutting utensil. The internet is a funny place...

[@tannermatheny7157]

Just watched your video. Based on your animation of the oil flow through the filter wouldn’t you want to inspect the other side where the oil is being drawn through the outside of the element into the center? Based on what I’m seeing in your video you’re inspecting the inside of the element where the oil has already passed through.

[@quamijuly5550]

I'm trying to clarify this ATM

[@VictoryAviation]

Mark I eye balls. Dig it

[@bubbalikescorn]

Recycle every part of the filter, especially the metal parts. You should not discard the casing until the inspection is done.

[@TheFirePilot]

First - I just did one of my filters the other day for the first time. New to that process. So you are telling me you are not supposed to bend the metal rings up so that you can remove the filter huh? You aren't supposed to actually force the filter out. Got it for next time :-) That probably would have been a good video had I recorded that.

[@FlyingWildAZ]

Heck yeah! Lol! See you during fire season! Cali?

[@TheFirePilot]

@@FlyingWildAZ actually I’m a firefighter and pilot. But not at the same time. But I’m always down to fly the valley.

[@FlyingWildAZ]

@@TheFirePilot Well let's "beat up" the north valley in the Citabria

[@gringoloco8576]

Why not just use box cutters? Razor blades and much sturdier handle.