I did not. Since the gear was eaten and I found metal in the oil on the valve cover rail I did not see the point. I'm sure the filter picked up a lot of metal, that's it's job. To me the point of inspecting the filter would be at an oil change to ensure the engine was healthy. I now know it is not. I do really appreciate all the feedback folks have given me on this issue. I'm just concerned now about what I will find in my roller rockers & lifters when I tear things down. They were really expensive...