Magnetic Drain plug

[Henri]

Hi! Simple question: What do you think about MAGNETIC drain plug for the oil pan?

I know it's suppose to collect some metalic garbage in oil but can it do some damage to the engine?? Can this be dangerous in any way for my precious car


Thanks for your help

Henri

[El Presidente]

No, but whats the point? If you change your filter then the oil down there shouldn't have metal in it.

[Henri]

Yeah that's what I think also but i've seen these magnetic drain plugs everywhere on the net... Do you know if it can help or it can do some damage?

Thanks!

[Sk1d]

Putting a magnet in your sump isn't dangerous and will not harm your engine should you decide to do it. These magnets are more useful inside an autobox sump though, where the oil doesn't get changed for long periods of time, but most manufacturers now use them anyway...

Seems like a bit of a waste of money if, as El Presidente says, you keep your oil changes regular...

[Fadec40]

Aircraft engines have had magnetic drain plugs for decades now. We call them chip detectors. They are a good thing because they grab and hold any metal "chips" or shavings. Some metal on the plug does not necessarily mean a problem with the engine internally. So if you were to pull the plug and see, say, an unusual amount of metal, you might want a professional to analyze it.

On aircraft, we determine it by the consistency, dullness, amount, etc.

It's main purpose is to let you know what might be going on internally, since you normally do not know what the filter is picking up and trapping!


I would not hesitate to use a magnetic plug.

[Henri]

Thanks for your answers!

Have a nice week end!

[docrobot]

Originally posted by El Presidente@Sep 18 2004, 12:15 PM
No, but whats the point? If you change your filter then the oil down there shouldn't have metal in it.

Its called wear and tear baby!

Back 10 years ago or so, when I was the President of the Alberta Mustang Owners Association, these magnetic plugs were all the rage when we got a group rate.


Everyone got one, and after each oil change for the next 6 months or so, members would bring in the filings off their cars, and we would all be shocked and amazed. The amount of filings and trailings will scare you the first time, then reduce after that.

Now, you might say, "Thats Mustangs, not BMWs! Bimmers don't have filings and trialings in the oil like that."

(Insert game show buzzer sound for incorrect answers here)

It could be the best $5 or $10 you spend on your ride because it traps the metal and stops it from recirculating. At the very least, it won't clog up your oil pickup in the pan.

[Fadec40]

I agree, doc!

[dutchbmw]

It's OEM so it can't hurt anything

[bitcore]

the hollow BMW OEM plugs are magnetic? hmmm.

[Henri]

No I don't think OEM drain plugs are magnetic.... I will find one on the net or in a BMW parts shop.

[thekid]

Originally posted by Henri@Sep 18 2004, 03:38 PM
No I don't think OEM drain plugs are magnetic.... I will find one on the net or in a BMW parts shop.

that would be great, put up a link or part # once you find them. I'll poke around too and see what I can come up with.

[NeverLeaned]

Can't recall ever dropping an oil pan off a BMW, but many domestic and foreign car manufacture's put magnets right in the oil pan when build the car. If you ever drop your pan for any reason, its a must do in terms of preventative maintance.

Keeps those shavings from circulating through your oil lines, clogging them up, and damaging the oil sump etc etc.