Cartridge filter failure

[teambeechstreet]

Did an oil change on my friend's 2004 Mazda 6 with the 2.3 four-cylinder (equipped with a cartridge style oil filter) and when pulled out found that the filter had a nickel sized hole in it. Bits of media also fell out of the plastic housing. He runs Mobil 1 5w-30 on 5K OCIs and this is the first time it has happened. Last oil change was in November. What would cause a cartridge style filter to fail like this? It is his daily driver and now he's paranoid that the missing filter media may cause damage to the engine. By the way, it was an ACDelco PF1703.

 

[widman]

Pictures are needed. Also a UOA to see if the oil thickened up, soot levels, etc.

Could be incorrect filter, damage to relief valve (I know people who stretch the springs thinking they are getting better filtration), etc.

 

[Cause4Alarm]

likely a cheap filter or run way too long, seen it a few times

 

[Eddie]

Maybe damaged by the installer? A nickle size hole sounds suspicious.

 

[bullwinkle]

Any unexplained coolant loss?