MAGNETS FOR OIL FILTER

[JRP]

I had two extra magnets for a Chalkley cup and it was getting close to the 50 hour oil change, so I stuck them on the outside of the filter. After several days I changed the oild and filter. I cut the filter with a shears and found black stuff stuck to the inside where the magnets are attached.

I think I'll put them on the new filter and leave them. Of course they will only help with particles too small to be filtered, but that is some help and they will be doing more than sitting on a shelf.

It is simple and easy. Some of you might like this idea.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I've done this for the past 10 years or so on all our cars and it's on my tractor too - you'd be surprised at what gets collected in there. I also put a magnet on the oil pan right by the drain plug (or use a magnetic drain plug). As the pan is draining, remove the magnet to flush that crud out of there.
That's a lot of magnets for one filter!

 

[normde2001]

Jim, I emailed your picture to a GM mechanic friend of mine, and, like nick, he also suggested a magnetic drain plug. I don't know if you can buy a magnetic drain plug or if you just put a magnet in a standard plug.

 

[Volp]

I think that you better buy a magnetic drain plug as it has the magnet properly fixed. A lose magnet could easily damage engine or gearbox

 

[Phred]

Guys,

Jim; Good idea.

I like it better than the drain plug because all the crud gets thrown away with the filter. The drian plug relies on the oil flow to push any remaining crud out when you remove the plug.

How could this cause a problem? All the magnets are on the outside right? So the worst thing I could see is that the magnets fall off and get eaten by the brush hog.

Fred

 

[dgood1]

Phred,

I think that Anders was talking about the magnet on the drain plug which would be inside the crankcase.

 

[NIXON]

Okay, I'm convinced that a Mag plug is of some value . But,what about the other metallic parts of the engine ?
I'm sure that the non ferrous parts are the real indicators of wear . So if you are looking for wear indicators it might be best to have your oil analyized . Just my own thoughts, but most of the magnetic particles are likely from the machining process ,or rings,maybe the oil pump. That ,and the fact that they are picked up by a drain plug indicates that they are relatively heavy and have settled in the oil sump.( after the engine has been shut off ! ) if I was that concerned about wear and tear I'd be looking at bearing failure. Not likely to be seen on a Mag Plug .
Just my own opinion . I worked on aircraft for 22 years and believe Oil analysis has saved more than a few pilots . Off my High Horse John

 

[GlennT]

A slightly irrelevant comment. A few years ago I decided to use magnetic drain plugs on my car and pickup so I purchased a couple from NAPA. When I was in the process of inserting them I found that the threads were so badly machined that they were starting to redo the threads on the oil pans. I worked on the threads with a fine file to remove burrs and such and then they had a sloppy fit in the holes so I stuck them away with my other errors in judgement. I still think they're a good idea, but I sure would inspect themclosely before purchase.

 

[Von]

Magnetic drain plugs come standard on Porsche's so there must be some value to them. Porsche's are made to race and last right out of the Box, so I can't see where they hurt by having them. The only problem is getting all the crud off of the magnet when changing the oil. I guess it gives you something to do while waiting for 13+ qts. of oil to drain out!

 

[NIXON]

Von , Like I said initially , I'm sure they are of some value .
I used to have to do Mag Plug checks on T 56 and TF 41 Jet engines . One nice thing is you use an ohm meter .
Every so often I'd find one that was contaminated . What I used to be amazed at was when I found one ,the engine techs would just remove the offending metal and reinstall it .
I asked why they weren't doing more ,and the answer was...... The oil analysis will show any problems when we check on this engine . Sorta made me feel like I was just spinning my wheels But then they were put there for a reason . I still think that if oil contamination is concern then having the oil tested is good insurance .. ME .... I change oil and filters religiously,use synthetic oil and good quality filters . No oil analysis . But then if the engine stops Idon't have to bail out John