The RIGHT way to inspect your OIL filter for metal & DEBRIS

Checking an oil filter for metal, debris, or contamination is frequently discussed and shown. However, I only see people go part of the way with it. There is one extra step that you should take when checking oil filters. This trick will really help you get an accurate visualization of what is occurring in your engine. I recently did an annual oil and filter change in my E39 M5. I seized the opportunity to make this quick video showing this old trick that I was taught by an old timer at the dragstrip when I was a teenager.
I will admit that there are better examples for this video than the oil filter I used. This oil & filter was only one year old with 2k miles on it. Your oil will be much darker when you have more miles and time on the oil and filter, and the filter will also be saturated and very dark. This all makes it harder to see any contamination. The trick in the video is much more effective in those cases.
~ Nick
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About AutoTechNick:
Growing up in rural Oregon, I was always around Hot Rods & Race Cars. I imagine my early exposure to this culture ignited a spark of interest in cars, which remains my passion.
🎓 I am a proud Alumni of Wyoming Technical Institute, where I studied Automotive Technology, Performance Engine Building & Street Rod Fabrication. In addition to “WyoTech,” I graduated from the BMW Service Technician Education Program, more commonly known as BMW S.T.E.P.
🏎️ I spent nearly ten years working in various BMW dealerships as a Master Technician. After a move back home to the PNW, I found myself no longer servicing German-made machines but now working with Italians. I spent nearly another ten years as a Ferrari Master Technician & Shop Foreman at a local Ferrari dealership.
🏆 Ferrari selected me as one of 12 technicians worldwide to compete in the “Ferrari Testa Rossa Awards” for four years consecutively. Finishing in 3rd place in 2016, & in 2019 I was able to place in 1st, winning the competition & earning the title of the “Top Ferrari Technician in the World!”
🚀 As my time with Ferrari came to an end, a new career path awaited me…. Aerospace. I am currently working at Blue Origin, helping to build & develop the BE-3PM and BE-3U rocket engines.
With my new career path, I needed an outlet for my automotive passion, thus the reason for this channel…
#oilchange #oil #oilfilter #techtips #diyoil #enginefailure #enginefailed #checkengine #diyfilter #oilservice #inspectfilter #inspectoilfilter #oilcontamination #autotechnick

[@AutoTechNick]

I should have mentioned that this oil and filter are 1 year old and have just 2k miles of use. This trick is much more effective on older, dirtier filters that have been used more, and that is when this trick really shines.

[@vrt4k864]

Love the quick Nick tips! As always, thanks for sharing!

[@jamiesonsime9197]

Time to get a second lift! Glad you will be enjoying the M5 on land while you get the boat wrapped up for the water 👍

[@donriedl3484]

I used this tip on my twin cam Harley Davidson after cam tensioner failure. Amazing what you can see compare to just looking at the oil soaked element . I have pass it along to other people also. Thanks for sharing this

[@AutoTechNick]

I am glad to hear that the trick helped you out!!
~ Nick

[@primitivegaming2080]

ive got almost the same amount of shavings as you do in my filter is that normal mines around 4k kms old

[@JuanEspinoza-vd1nx]

So you would say those small metal pieces are nothing to worry about?

[@AutoTechNick]

From what I saw in the filter now, no. It's insufficient to convince me to dig into or tear down this engine. Now, if I keep seeing them on each oil change, then I might consider doing so. Premature timing chain wear is relatively common on this platform, so it's something to watch. They key to this is watching over time and looking for noticeable changes.
~ Nick

[@youngbucks6504]

But how do I check for metal shavings when I’m inspecting a car ? I don’t want to drain their oil lol

[@AutoTechNick]

In most all applications, you do not need to drain your engine oil in order to remove the filter.
~ Nick

[@martymartin2894]

​@@AutoTechNickare those shavings normal in cars with a timing belt. Is it a sign of engine wear. Thanks