| BikerJohn |
| Hi folks; just wondering if anyone has used or are using a star-shaped magnet (covered in plastic) that attaches to the end of the oil filter. These units are suppose to trap metalic particles within the filter to help keep the oil clean. I realize that oil filters do some filtering on their own, but I'm just wondering if it may help further? I do regular oil and filter changes but if something can increase the life of my MO; I will gladly invest in it;) |
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| njjoe |
BikerJohn-
That is an interesting idea.
Couldn't hurt, might help.
However, if the particles are small enough to pass through the filter I would think they are small enough that they would have no adverse affect on the engine.
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
Listen to this week's episode of cartalk on NPR:
www.cartalk.com
There was a question about oil pan/filter magnets! |
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| GripperDon |
| can you help me find the car talk program about magnetic plugs I can't seem to find it. Thanks DON |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by GripperDon
can you help me find the car talk program about magnetic plugs I can't seem to find it. Thanks DON
I guess its not up on the website yet, but I usually catch the podcast, which is updated as soon as the program airs. You can download it as a podcast (search cartalk), I think its now become the #1 podcast since they went with this format a month ago. The magnet on the oil pan call was in this week's show (which aired on Saturday July 14). |
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| Eric L. |
Also found an old cartalk question which also addresses this topic:
Cartalk Columns
May 2007
Dear Tom and Ray:
I recently saw a car catalog that had an oil-filter magnet for sale. The magnet was placed on the bottom of an oil filter and was strong enough to remove any metal shavings from the oil stream. Is this product worthwhile, or am I just wasting my money? -- Ron
Beat up old carTOM: These things have been around for years, Ron. They certainly don't do any harm.
RAY: They sell magnets that go inside the oil pan, magnets that are built into the oil plug, and magnets, like this one, that attach to the filter.
TOM: Now, keep in mind that the oil filter itself already removes any metal shavings, or anything else that's bigger than about 25 microns -- or about half the width of a human hair. So they do a pretty good job.
RAY: Does stuff that's smaller than that -- stuff that gets through the filter -- harm your engine? Probably, at least a little. But with the magnet, you'll only get the metallic stuff that sneaks by the filter. You won't catch any soot or pieces of aluminum, which are also harmful.
TOM: If a magnet really made engines last longer, don't you think that GM and Ford would already have spent the three cents per car it would take to build one into the oil plug?
RAY: So I'd have to say that oil-filter magnets fall into the general category of "overkill."
TOM: But if you're the kind of guy who believes in overkill, Ron, then go for it. Do you wear a surgical mask on an airplane? Do you go back and double-check to make sure you've turned off the stove before you leave the house? Do you have your brother taste your food before you eat it? If so, you should get one of these magnets, Ron.
RAY: In fact, you should get two, in case one falls off.
TOM: Seriously, it certainly can't hurt anything. And it's possible that there's some small benefit. But in the big scheme of things, it's not high on the priorities list. Changing your oil regularly will probably extend the life of your engine more than any magnet. |
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| BikerJohn |
Eric L.
Thanks for that link. I typed in magnet in the search and found the article.
It was very interesting and it mentioned what njjoe thought that particles small enough to get through the filter most likely won't harm the engine.
It also mentioned aluminum particle which wouldn't also get caught. Good point since there are a lot of aluminum components in the engine:4:
I think that I'll pick one up anyway. I remember when I had a '79 Volvo 244 that had a built-in magnet at the end of the oil pan drain plug. It did collect residue and clump up with stuff and needed cleaning every oil change. How about them Swedes??
Thanks for your input:) |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by BikerJohn
Eric L.
Thanks for that link. I typed in magnet in the search and found the article.
It was very interesting and it mentioned what njjoe thought that particles small enough to get through the filter most likely won't harm the engine.
It also mentioned aluminum particle which wouldn't also get caught. Good point since there are a lot of aluminum components in the engine:4:
I think that I'll pick one up anyway. I remember when I had a '79 Volvo 244 that had a built-in magnet at the end of the oil pan drain plug. It did collect residue and clump up with stuff and needed cleaning every oil change. How about them Swedes??
Thanks for your input:)
Hey, as far as I am concerned, there is NOTHING wrong with overmaintaining a car! Some here might disagree but its kind of a running joke on me. Go for it. |
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| GripperDon |
| I typed in Magnet oil drain plug and didn't get it guess i was over specific. Think I'll pass on getting one. |
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| zebelkhan |
| I can see why a drain plug magnet, or one in the oil pan where thare is no oin pressure may work, but inside the filter I would think any residue that is attracted to the magnet inside of the filter, under the force of the high pressure oil that is there would just wash away. |
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| Lightninrod |
I've been replacing my OEM oil pan plug for decades and as was mentioned, mine too attracted metal filings, etc. Haven't done it on our Mo yet.
Dan |
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| njjoe |
Although the MO's VQ engine is made primarily from aluminum alloys the wear points (rings, bearings, gears, crank, etc) are made from ferrous materials, so the magnets would still have material to collect.
-njjoe |
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| BikerJohn |
| Good point njjoe; thanks for that....;) |
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