Magnetic oil drain plug advisable?

[tiger1964]

At this rate it will into September to hit 1K miles and a first oil change. Along with getting oil and a filter, I've seen references here to magnetic drain plugs -- I do not think I've ever had one on any car. So, (a) if one is a good idea, which one to get and where (part # and/or link would be appreciated, or (b) does the car come from the factory with one?

[bcj]

FuMoto valve. You're welcome.

If you NEEEED magnets, a nyodium one on the filter will do.

[soundman98]

i ran one for a little while.

it gets 'muck' around it. does it save anything? who knows. more frequent oil changes also would save things.

after 3 oil changes, i got pissed off with it sticking to the metal oil pan on removal. it would stick just to the side of the opening, and then divert oil around wherever my drain pan is for the first 2 quarts until i could get enough expletives out, and an arm covered in oil to remove it fully to catch the remaining bit of oil.

i changed to a fumoto valve and haven't looked back. in 3 oil changes, the valve has literally paid for the amount of oil dry i was needing to clean up my mess...

[tiger1964]

Originally Posted by soundman98

i changed to a fumoto valve and haven't looked back. in 3 oil changes, the valve has literally paid for the amount of oil dry i was needing to clean up my mess...

They've been around a while, probably available for Ford Model T's. Never had one, does it impact sound clearance?

[Sapphireho]

Stick with the stock plug. Works great.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by tiger1964

They've been around a while, probably available for Ford Model T's. Never had one, does it impact sound clearance?

not unless you're re-enacting starsky and hutch




here's the clearance to the skidplate

[EndlessAzure]

Used to run a Fumoto. It got knocked loose at the racecourse, and I removed it.


I had a run-in with a rock on the road shortly after that. Thankfully it was removed, otherwise the rock would have ripped it off the oil pan


---


The only thing a drain plug magnet would protect is the oil pump. Magnet on the filter is redundant since the filter membrane will catch all the metal shards that enter it; as long as it's replaced at a normal interval, it shouldn't release any metal into the engine block

[WNDSRFR]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

Stick with the stock plug. Works great.

And crush washers aren't needed. I've used the same "crushed" washer for the last ten oil changes and have never leaked a drop.

[blsfrs]

Originally Posted by WNDSRFR

And crush washers aren't needed. I've used the same "crushed" washer for the last ten oil changes and have never leaked a drop.

I reused the "crushed" washers on my trans and diff. No problems.

Magnetic plug? I don't remember iron filings listed on my oil analysis.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by WNDSRFR

And crush washers aren't needed. I've used the same "crushed" washer for the last ten oil changes and have never leaked a drop.

I bought a bag of them years ago. Worked out about 70¢ each.

[Ultramaroon]

Fresh gaskets and gentle torque on the plug are, in the long run, much better than repeatedly cranking down on a work-hardened one.

[cmiovino]

I've used a handful of various magnetic plugs on my WRX and BRZ. I will caution you against any cheap aftermarket plugs - especially with a magnet protruding far out into the oil a 1/2 or so. I've had one of these chunk off a piece and end up in the engine, filter, etc. Didn't do damage fortunately. It was a "Blox" brand, which isn't exactly a no-name eBay one either.

Subaru makes an OEM magnetic one that worked for my WRX. OEM and was a flat magnet. I run a Dimple brand magnet one that's essentially the same thing for my BRZ. Only real reason I changed it was the previous owner managed to start rounding off the OEM one.

I have seen some minor debris/buildup on it since installing. Like a silver metallic goo. It's common if you run a magnet. These very fine particles would likely be picked up in the filter eventually. It's kind of overkill.

I personally don't run a Fumoto valve because I autocross a lot. I could see it getting caught on a cone potentially under the car, even with the stock shielding under there. Maybe. Unlikely, but it's one less thing to worry about.

[Spuds]

I autocross with my fumoto valve with no issues. I have driven halfway across the country with a fumoto valve, no problems. I have done at least 12 oil changes with a fumoto valve (with a big-ole smile when I remember I have it and don't need to unscrew the plug), no problems.

The above again on my other car. Ok, I haven't autocrossed that... yet.

I do like them valves though.

[WNDSRFR]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Fresh gaskets and gentle torque on the plug are, in the long run, much better than repeatedly cranking down on a work-hardened one.

Yes I agree.

And you should change lug nuts every time you remove them.