Does opaqueness of filter media indicate degree of clogging?

[TallPaul]

Just cut open a filter from a 5000 mile OCI. Stretched out a section of the media and held it to a fluorescent light. Could only see a little light in a few places. Most of the media was black. I have done this with other filters and less miles and seen varying degrees of opaqueness. Does it mean anything?

Second question: Given that in 5000 miles this filter media was nearly totally opaque, should I have spun a new filter halfway through the OCI?

 

[pajim17057]

Seems to me that if light can't get through then oil isn't gonna get through.

 

[kenw]

1) it is a relative thing, in order to determine anything of value you must be able to compare it to an IDENTICAL but unused media's opacity.

 

[T-Keith]

I agree kenw, you may not see that many in a new filter as well. I'm not sure if you can see all of the holes in the media, also if there is dark colored oil suspended in the media it may block light.

-T

 

[TallPaul]

A lot of light comes through a new filter media.