Oil Filters

Following a scheduled oil and filter change, the technician noted lower-than-normal oil pressure at idle. The new filter (p/n CH48110-1) was replaced and oil pressure indication was normal. Examination of the replaced filter noted some paint chips had been removed in the flange area. The submitter suspects that a paint chip could have contaminated the filter, causing it to go into bypass. These filters are packaged in cardboard boxes. There was no damage noted to the box containing the filter.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple incidents highlight manufacturing or quality control defects in new aircraft oil filters, including internal contamination (paint chips), damaged bypass valves, and faulty threading or mounting studs.
These filter defects often lead to immediate and critical operational problems such as dangerously low oil pressure, significant oil leaks, or difficulties during filter installation and removal.
Beyond manufacturing flaws, external factors like loose adjacent components can also cause physical damage to oil filters, leading to serious oil leaks.