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Magnetic Oil Plug - Anyone use this?

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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 10:27 AM
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Magnetic Oil Plug - Anyone use this?

Anyone use this? I bought it but it looks Chinese cheap and I wondered if anyone has had any problems with this, like for example the magnet becoming loose, etc.? Part number is Dorman #65216. The OEM plug is next to it in the picture for comparison.
Attached Thumbnails Magnetic Oil Plug - Anyone use this?-dscn1541.jpg  
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 11:46 AM
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i have only used that kind of plug in my trans and that's about it
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 12:08 PM
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I used the Dorman magnetic plug for a year and I had no problem. I only took the plug out 3 times in the course of one year, the seal that comes with it isnt leaking.

If the magnet does come loose, the oil pickup filter will block it if anything. I have the same model as the picture, and from looking at it, doesnt seem like the magnet will fall out. Overtime, the magnets might get weaker which is the only downside I see.
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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Thanks for the good inputs. I will at least use it then once I finish my rebuild to collect residual metal pieces.
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 12:18 PM
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I think my corolla has one on the oil drain plug. Never seen it dirty through. Usually they are helpful/necessary in the trans/diff where metal shavings are expected, and there is no filter for the oil
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 12:39 PM
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any kind of magnet helps , If it does come loose it will just stick to the pan rifgt at the drain plug , If there is anything in the oil it will pick it up .. We use to just throw a couple in the pan before bolting it on , only thing is you can't see what it might be collecting but they do the job 24-7
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 03:28 PM
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Wow, true in that it would just stick to the bottom. How come my dumbass couldn't think of some thing like that. Thanks.
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 03:49 PM
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I use 'em on my motorcycles, but that's only because the transmission is also lubed by the crankcase oil.
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 04:32 PM
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Just stay away from the cheap ebay anodized ones, the metal is so flimsy that the threads can be easily bent by dropping or just pressing on them.
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 09:44 PM
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I prefer aircraft-style drain valves.
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
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Old Feb 28, 2012 | 05:47 PM
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I like those drain valves as well and probably will buy a couple once the engine has a chance to break in.
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Old Feb 28, 2012 | 07:28 PM
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Yea well nice looking valve but what about the magnet ? I can also see a nice little stone coming off the tires and opening that valve .. JMO
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Old Feb 28, 2012 | 09:21 PM
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Originally Posted by gerald m
Yea well nice looking valve but what about the magnet ? I can also see a nice little stone coming off the tires and opening that valve .. JMO
I think the magnet is overrated. Most aircraft don't have them, and I have been using the Fumoto valves in all of my vehicles for over 20 years with no problems. The portions of engine wear particles that are magnetic will get caught in the oil filter along with all of the non-magnetic particles. However, I think that those who like the magnet should stick with what they like, as I doubt that it hurts anything.

A rock could not open the Fumoto valve because the spring-loaded safety catch operates 90 degrees to the angle of rotation required to open the valve. The valve also takes a fair amount of force to rotate. The only way I see it accidentally opening if you are driving off-road in tall vegetation.

Other advantages of the Fumoto (or similar) valves:
- Can easily drain out some oil if you accidentally over-fill the engine.
- Easy to take a small oil sample for testing.
- If you have a low-profile drain pan, you can change the engine oil without jacking up the car.
- Never again replace the crush washer, strip the plug, fish the plug out of the oil pan, get hot oil dribbled all over your hand when removing the plug, or bash your knuckles in the ground during removal.

Aircraft valves for comparison:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/..._oildrain.html

Fram also makes a valve, but I don't like it as much because it is a 3-component design that requires more work to use.
http://www.carpictures.com/FRAM/-Sur...02LQF345838026
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Old Feb 28, 2012 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Evil Aviator
I think the magnet is overrated. Most aircraft don't have them, and I have been using the Fumoto valves in all of my vehicles for over 20 years with no problems. The portions of engine wear particles that are magnetic will get caught in the oil filter along with all of the non-magnetic particles. However, I think that those who like the magnet should stick with what they like, as I doubt that it hurts anything.

A rock could not open the Fumoto valve because the spring-loaded safety catch operates 90 degrees to the angle of rotation required to open the valve. The valve also takes a fair amount of force to rotate. The only way I see it accidentally opening if you are driving off-road in tall vegetation.

Other advantages of the Fumoto (or similar) valves:
- Can easily drain out some oil if you accidentally over-fill the engine.
- Easy to take a small oil sample for testing.
- If you have a low-profile drain pan, you can change the engine oil without jacking up the car.
- Never again replace the crush washer, strip the plug, fish the plug out of the oil pan, get hot oil dribbled all over your hand when removing the plug, or bash your knuckles in the ground during removal.
You have totally convinced me.

I am ordering one for everything.
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Old Feb 28, 2012 | 11:08 PM
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Evil Aviator >> So the question is... Which one fits the FC oil pan ?
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Old Feb 29, 2012 | 12:45 AM
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Originally Posted by jackhild59
You have totally convinced me.

I am ordering one for everything.
LOL, you may want to try one to see how you like it first. One of my friends actually likes the Fram drain valve better. I don't know of anybody who prefers the OEM plug, but I am sure that such people exist.

Originally Posted by Derekcat
Evil Aviator >> So the question is... Which one fits the FC oil pan ?
The F106 Regular Valve. It installs with an open-end wrench, I think 19mm.
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Old Feb 29, 2012 | 03:09 AM
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Thanks! Ordered one as well! ^_^
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Old Feb 29, 2012 | 07:25 PM
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i like, anyone know if they also have sizes for fc trannys? any clearence issues? can i drop magnets in the transmission too?
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Old Feb 29, 2012 | 08:32 PM
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I've used the magnetic drain plug for years in my DD's. It does pick stuff up. Very fine stuff. But the amount is minimal. Possibly, negligible.

After extended runs, using synthetic oil, there would be a gray mud like film on the magnet one would almost overlook in the coating of well used oil. It becomes evident after wiping with a clean paper towel. There was always some on the plug every time I changed oil, and in all the cars I used them on.
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Old Feb 29, 2012 | 08:49 PM
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Many vehicle manufacturers utilize magnetic oil plugs. There can really be no harm possible, only benefit. I've changed oil in many cars, and have definitely removed a fair amount of crud from each one. Not as much as a transmission pan magnet collects, but it's enough for me to not want to not use one.... if that makes sense.
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Old Feb 29, 2012 | 09:18 PM
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^ for the quick drain plug, do they have any trans options? rx7 wise
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Old Mar 1, 2012 | 10:28 AM
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The Fumoto valves are awesome. I can also vouch for them. I installed one in my TII as soon as I got it. Oil changes are super quick and now require absolutely zero tools. It has never leaked on me. I have a low profile drain pan and jacking the car is unnecessary. Your mileage may vary there depending on how low your car is.

Edit: As a side note, in their FAQ, they recommend a simple hose clip in serious off road applications in which accidental opening may be a concern.

http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/Se...ts.asp?Cat=305

Last edited by JerryLH3; Mar 1, 2012 at 10:31 AM.
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Old Mar 1, 2012 | 04:51 PM
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Isn't the magnetic plug a feature that comes stock on cars?

edit: nevermind. Read Agreens post.

Last edited by steevo_102; Mar 1, 2012 at 05:18 PM.
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Old Mar 1, 2012 | 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by drift13b88
^ for the quick drain plug, do they have any trans options? rx7 wise
You could probably find one, or similar products, that fit the transmission, but I am not aware of any that fit. However, the transmission drain valve may have ground clearance issues, and since the transmission fluid normally has a 30 month / 30,000 mile drain interval I don't think a valve would save much work.

Originally Posted by steevo_102
Isn't the magnetic plug a feature that comes stock on cars?
Sometimes.
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Old Mar 4, 2012 | 01:18 AM
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so don't get the ebay magnetic plugs...?
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