Need some clarification if somebody knows. When you cut open an oil filter, and then remove the pleated paper filter material... is metal (if any) going to show up on the outside of the pleats, or the inside? I guess I can't picture the flow pattern inside the filter itself...
I always assumed the dirty oil was flowing from center to outside... but found some shiny material today on the outside of the paper circle on a cut filter.
Any tips? Thanks !!!!!!

Mine is outside to inside..inside being the filtered oil..outside is the crap.

Oil flows from outside to inside so any metal the engine makes will be on the outside (for champion & others) Use a light to inspect for shiny material. Also I'm sure your using a filter cutter, if you use a hacksaw & you'll think it's time for an o/h!

Cut the filter can and then use a sharp knife to cut the filter media loose from the housing. Watch out for the reinforcing wires. Take a clean coffee can or similar container and add a few inches of clean fuel or solvent and then the filter paper. Swish the paper around in the solvent to remove the crud from the filter paper. Remove and discard paper once it's released the crud. Using another coffee can, place a clean white paper towel across the top. Pour the solvent from the one can through the white paper towel into the other can. Anything you care to see in the filter will show on the white paper towel. Use a magnet to differentiate between aluminum flakes and ferrous metal flakes. If you see something that concerns you, fold the towel, place in a ziplock, and consult with your mechanic. It's common to find some shiny, non-magnetic metal flecks in the filter of a healthy engine so don't be too concerned, but when in doubt, ask your mechanic.

Looking in the filter paper pleats that are drooling dirty oil isn't very effective.

StewartB- Excellent directions! Now I know what I will be doing right after breakfast....
Thanks

After my experience with my engine the engine shop said always take the screen out of the pan and check it also. If something is going wrong and producing good size chunks they will get caught there and not make it to the filter. I don't know if y'all got screens and filters. Just a thought.

I agree with everything Stewart said. A few flecks of metal is normal. If you use a 1/4 magnet and the entire face is covered you got a problem.

Good day

Maybe all of us use standard full flow filters like Champion but do any of you use the Frantz bypass filter? If so how about inspecting it?

I put a coffee maker filter in the can with a rubber band around the neck, pour thru, let dry overnite and u got it all.

Jeff