Metal bits in oil filter?

I just finished changing the oil on my car and when I took the oil filter off, I found it packed with small metal bits. They are the size of those scent rocks they sell at fragrance stores, or the size of small salt crystals of epsom salt and they are smooth and flat. My oil pressure was high and now I know why. What do you guys think they are?

I brought the oil filter in and it turns out it is not metal. It feels like some sort of hard carbon or plastic because it breaks with pressure. Any guesses as to what it is?

Could be hardened old valve seals.Is this an old or high mileage motor?Sometimes if you look under the valve cover you can see broken chunks stuck in the oil return holes.

I haven’t looked under the cover yet, but I am hoping to get to that later on. I need to buy new valve covers for it because it is, like you said, and older car but I don’t know exactly how many miles it has on it. At least now I have a place to start looking, thanks.

If it's white plastic, I'd suspect the nylon is coming off the cam gear. If you're vehicle is a 70's Ford with original timing chain you've got this crappy timing set in there. If not, then my diagnosis is shot in the ass![img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img] Good luck.
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Actually what frdnut said makes sense. I had changed my spark plugs and noticed there was a dark film on the electrodes that looked like oil. So valve seals would make sense considering the black spark plugs, and the bits that look like hardened rubber. Can’t be sure until I pull the cover though

Is there a way to change the seals on the engine without taking the heads off, or using an air compressor? I was thinking about putting each cylinder to compression to keep the valves up, but that would take a while and probably drain my battery. Any other ideas?

Originally Posted by Otto

Is there a way to change the seals on the engine without taking the heads off, or using an air compressor? I was thinking about putting each cylinder to compression to keep the valves up, but that would take a while and probably drain my battery. Any other ideas?

I think I would want it at top dead center when I was replacing the seals. You could rig up a compressor to a spark plug hole and I think they make something just for changing springs with the heads on, but I'm not sure what it is or how it works. Anyway, at TDC, should something go wrong and you lose compression or a hold on a valve, the short drop to the top of the piston would likely leave the valve retrieveable, whereas if the piston where down in the bore, you would have no recourse but to pull the head. Speaking of valve springs, you may want to pull the heads anyway and freshen them up if you don't have the tools to change the springs w/ heads attached.

There is a way but it requires a compressor. you run the piston to TDC so the valves are closed. There is a tool called an air hold which screws in in place of the spark plug then you pressurize the cylinder with the compressor to hold the valves closed. Then use a screw type spring compressor to remove the springs and replace the seals.

Keith/Bumble

You can also feed a decent length of cotton cord in through the spark plug hole (leaving some hanging out so you can remove it) then use a wrench to crank the engine over, pushing the piston up. The piston compresses the cord againt the valves, so they will have no where to go.

Works like a charm.