Checking the oil filter for all particles

If you want to easily see the tiniest particles in your oil filter try this. See attachment. 

Just removing the filter element like many do will cause you to miss many things embedded and colored in the filter medium.

Take your cut out filter medium then drop it in something like a pickle jar. Pour in about 1 " of gasoline. Put the top on and GENTLY shake it like a washing machine. Now take a paper towel and place it over a small container. Remove the filter medium from the jar and you can examine it, but it will be very clean. Now pour the residue left over in the jar over the paper towel that acts like a filter. Anything and everything will jump out like a red flag and it's easy to see. If you see something it's easier to determine what it is. You can use a magnet here if you want to.