TeeCat
One-Mik Wonder
Hi, all...
Reading some other like threads prompted me to go out and check my upper filter (Mike's external oil cooler), which I installed sometime early last season, I believe. It may be relevant to note that my bike has just under 19k miles, but only 1,0000 are mine, over the last four years. I also replaced the sump filter around the same time. As I recall, I don't think the old one was torn, but did not appear to contain any plastic or obvious metal. I have changed the oil about six times in 1,000 miles, for various reasons that mainly have to do with viscosity/grade/brand experimentation and maintenance/repairs. I am between oil changes at present.
This evening, I was pleased to find that my upper filter contained no apparent large debris of any kind, either plastic or metal. The paper filter was merely dark from oil since I installed the kit.
When I put the filter in a kerosene bath, though, I noticed some dark sediment - almost powdery in nature - at the bottom of the white plastic container I used. I expected some sediment, but my little telescopic magnet (about the diameter of a pencil eraser) indicated that the sediment is magnetic. There was only enough to cover the very top flat portion of the magnet.
Now, I know that filters are there to catch debris, obviously. But is this sort of metal dust a normal by-product of a largely iron/steel/alloy machine in the course of operation over time? I'm thinking clutch plate wear and tranny gear wear, perhaps. I would think that mating/moving steel/iron/alloy parts = wear = magnetic dust. I suppose that the fact there are magnets on the tops of the oil plugs sort of answers that question, but I suppose I never actually cleaned a filter before now... I always just replaced them in cars, etc. Hence, that question. I was just a little taken back.
Also, can I assume that the relative cleanliness of the top filter suggests that the bottom one is doing its job, and that the apparent absence of visible aluminum or plastic in the upper filter means that my chain guide is likely alright? You may recall that I am keeping at ear on a "whine" that does not appear to be getting any worse.
Anyway, thanks, guys!
TC
Reading some other like threads prompted me to go out and check my upper filter (Mike's external oil cooler), which I installed sometime early last season, I believe. It may be relevant to note that my bike has just under 19k miles, but only 1,0000 are mine, over the last four years. I also replaced the sump filter around the same time. As I recall, I don't think the old one was torn, but did not appear to contain any plastic or obvious metal. I have changed the oil about six times in 1,000 miles, for various reasons that mainly have to do with viscosity/grade/brand experimentation and maintenance/repairs. I am between oil changes at present.
This evening, I was pleased to find that my upper filter contained no apparent large debris of any kind, either plastic or metal. The paper filter was merely dark from oil since I installed the kit.
When I put the filter in a kerosene bath, though, I noticed some dark sediment - almost powdery in nature - at the bottom of the white plastic container I used. I expected some sediment, but my little telescopic magnet (about the diameter of a pencil eraser) indicated that the sediment is magnetic. There was only enough to cover the very top flat portion of the magnet.
Now, I know that filters are there to catch debris, obviously. But is this sort of metal dust a normal by-product of a largely iron/steel/alloy machine in the course of operation over time? I'm thinking clutch plate wear and tranny gear wear, perhaps. I would think that mating/moving steel/iron/alloy parts = wear = magnetic dust. I suppose that the fact there are magnets on the tops of the oil plugs sort of answers that question, but I suppose I never actually cleaned a filter before now... I always just replaced them in cars, etc. Hence, that question. I was just a little taken back.
Also, can I assume that the relative cleanliness of the top filter suggests that the bottom one is doing its job, and that the apparent absence of visible aluminum or plastic in the upper filter means that my chain guide is likely alright? You may recall that I am keeping at ear on a "whine" that does not appear to be getting any worse.
Anyway, thanks, guys!
TC
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