Magnetic Drain Plug

[Qashqai]

I wonder if anybody is using a "magnetic drain plug" on his/her engine?

I found this on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Magnetic-Oil-Dra ... 6387wt_905

and some pictures of this plug after an oil change:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=403911

I have two concerns:

1. I always though the purpose of oil filter is to hold those particles. Do we really need a secondary precaution like this magnet?
2. If I buy one plug from Ebay and give it to the service advisor at the dealer and ask him to give it to the mechanic who will do the oil change, probably he will look at me with empty eyes (he usually look at me like this anyway...).

So what do you think? I really want to catch any metal shavings before they scratch the pistons, on the other hand I am changing the oil every three months (as advised by the Nissan factory), so the filter never had a chance to be clogged by the debris..

[casperfun]

That is the exact one I bought online. It works great. After changing my oil after around 8000 miles even though I was going for 10,000 but had the oil change itch, the plug did not look no where like the one pictured there, thank god! It just had a slimy consistancy or goo-like stuff on the tip. ( not the oil )

I believe it was some minute particles in there most likely. Moreover, I have the basic filtermag that has 75 pounds of pull. Hmmm, might update to the more powerful one someday. Never can be too safe.

When you place the magnetic plug into the hole, it's so strong that it tends to attach strongly to the side of the hole when trying to screw it in. You really have to get a good grip to put it in correctly. Also make sure to do the counterclockwise than clockwise routine to make sure the threads are lined up.

I like using these magnetic plugs and magnets on the oil filter because it seems to work and catch certain metals from the online research I have done beforehand.

Plus it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I give it a two

I think most mechanics and car people for that matter would know about magnetic oil plugs and consider it a legitimate auto mod.

[kerrton]

I can't see anything that it would hurt using a magnetic drain plug, but the benefits would probably be extremely minimal to nill. If you did have large metal fragments in your oil you would already have big problems with internal engine wear - the damage would already be done.

Also ,the photo of the magnetic plug with the large metal fragments is from an auto transmission, typically a transmission will produce more small metal wear particles than an engine, although the transmission in the photo is obvously not in a good state. These extreme type of photos may be used to scare you in to purchasing a magnetic drain plug and make you feel as though you're benefiting your engine, but in reality it won't offer much benefit.

But sometimes in life peace of mind and perceptions are all that counts, so if it gives you some peace of mind that is a good thing and I say go for it!!

[Nick 568]

If you're willing to pay for piece of mind, then go for it. I'd say it's not necessary though. I'm pretty confident that the Nissan engineers who designed and tested the QR25DE knew what they were doing. These engines are designed to go for 200k+ miles. It's not like that drain plug collecting what tiny amount of shavings the engine may create, is going to make it last any longer.
And like Kerrton said, if you have copious amounts of metal shavings in your oil, you have other major problems. I doubt the magnetic drain plug is going to benefit you in any way other than piece of mind knowing that you've taken care of stray metal shavings that may make their way into the oil. Though, I suppose it can serve as a diagnostic tool when changing your oil...if you see you have lots of metal shavings collected up between oil changes, you know you have some major issues.

[philipa_240sx]

So what do you think? I really want to catch any metal shavings before they scratch the pistons

Great idea, except one problem:

Much of the engine is constructed of Aluminum (block & head), brass, and other non-metallic metals that a magnet won't attract.

A magnet in the drain plug won't hurt your engine (assuming the magnet itself does not come loose), but IMHO the benefits are negligible.

[TaiLuu]

Would of been a great Idea if it was Cast iron but If the QR25DE was cast Iron I would of bought a Oil fill cap too.