I am getting ready to change my oil filter and would really like to cut it open to look at the filter media. How do you guys cut open your filters? Don't have any special tools other than hand tools. Thought about using a Dremel but figured that might cause a small fire (sparks and oil don't really mix). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Question: How do you cut open your filters?
- Thread starter PhilsLB7
- Start date
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/80532/10002/-1
Problem with the dremel is that your going to get metal contamination inside the filter media while cutting it open.
Best bet would be to find a big truck shop or construction equipment shop that deals with alot of big diesels. Im sure they will cut the filter open for you.
Problem with the dremel is that your going to get metal contamination inside the filter media while cutting it open.
Best bet would be to find a big truck shop or construction equipment shop that deals with alot of big diesels. Im sure they will cut the filter open for you.
This is the best tool to use. After I get the element out of the canister, I use a big knife to cut lengthways between the pleats and then about 1/3rd of the way around at the top and bottom and peel it away from the inner part of the filter.
Thanks for the ideas guys. This is great. I looked at the one from Jegs and also found a similar one at Summit Racing. Then I found a pipe cutter at Autozone. However, I am not sure which one I'll buy yet. Thanks for the info LBZ on how to cut the filter media from the inner part of the filter. If there are any other suggestions, please let me know.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900510/
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Tail-Pipe-Cutter/_/N-2646?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=Pipe+cutter&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=111609_0_0_
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900510/
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Tail-Pipe-Cutter/_/N-2646?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=Pipe+cutter&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=111609_0_0_
Either of those will work great. I normally do the same thing as dale with the filter media. I cut a 4x4 square with a box cutter, Then I place the square in a clean rag and put it in the vice. tighten the vice till all the oil is squeezed out. Open the rag and stretch out the media and if theres metal you will be able to see it.
Thanks Mike.
Just general observation but correct me if I'm wrong, does it looks like the same filter cutter as the one on Jegs and Summit Racing? Doesn't really matter, just curious if they look the same to you guys.
I think they look the same. But I try to order most of my stuff from Speedway. They have quite a bit of neat things. I cant order from summit cause they charge me sales tax (Nevada) and Jegs has messed up 3 orders over the past 3 years for me, so I only use jegs if the price is worth the potential hassle. Plus Jegs has no tech support on any product they sell.