Vince Frazier
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 132
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 Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 6:11 am Post subject: oil filter cutter and oil analysis |
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SNIP Fellow Listers:
My RV-6A has been flying for a couple years now and since I have the repairman's certificate I've been doing the annuals and maintenance. My question is on cutting open the oil filter after an oil change. Since I've never owned an airplane before much less maintained one this exercise has me
wondering:
After the first few oil changes on a new/overhauled engine, do you keep cutting open the filters and inspecting the element?
Or is inspecting the element not as important as in the first hours after break in?
Those of you that do cut open the oil filter at every oil change, do you ever see fine particles in the filter element?
If yes, how often do you see these particles?
What color are the particles?
How large would the particles have to be to be of concern?
Did you notice more of these particles after switching from 50 weight break in mineral oil to say... 20W-50 ashless dispersant?
How many folks do oil analysis in addition to cutting open the filter?
If the oil analysis says no problem but there are a small amount of fine particles in the filter do you continue to fly?
If you have fine particles in the filter would you take them to your local mechanic and have him/her look them over? Or???
I've done lots of work on cars but never cut open the automotive filters so I don't know if fine particles would be present at every change. I don't want to be paranoid about this but if a problem can be caught early by cutting open the filter EVERY TIME then I want to be sure to continue doing that. Otherwise I'll dispense with that messy exercise. Thanks.
Dean Psiropoulos
Flying fun for 2+ years now SNIP
Dean,
You should open them at every oil change. You'll quickly get a feel for what should and should not be inside! It's no different than checking the sumps after a fill up, you'll quickly get the idea of what's normal.
We have an inexpensive and easy to use filter cutter. Makes it a snap to open the filter can. Comes with detailed instructions with color photos.
http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=223 I know of no better, easier can opener at this price. $49.95
I'll send you the instruction sheet so you can see it. If anyone else wants a copy, simply email me directly at vincefrazier(at)gmail.com
Vince Frazier
Flyboy Accessories
3963 Caborn Road
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
812-464-1839
1-888-8FLYBOY
1-888-835-9269
www.flyboyaccessories.com
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Vince Frazier
3965 Caborn Road
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
812-464-1839 work
812-985-7309 home
F-1H Rocket, N540VF
http://vincesrocket.com/ |
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