This is something I was always curious about. We all know that when a new engine is being "run in" small particles of metal from internal friction will become free and move around with your oil.
My theory is, you can capture these particles by placing a neodymium magnet on the sump bolt to which all loose metal matter will be attracted, providing cleaner oil.
I put a magnet on my car since new, and will see the results on my first oil change.
Sounds crazy I know. What do you guys think?

 

I do not know about that..... good luck.

What I did was to just changed my oil at 400 miles (to get rid of any loose metal) then again at 1500 miles and then soon, one more time at the scheduled first change that occurs at 3750 miles. (coming any day now!)

I figure it can't hurt and if there is any thing metal loose in there from the initial break in period it is or will be gone.

after that I will follow the regular maintenence schedule.

 

hmmm a magnetic drain plug??? thats a GREAT IDEA!!!

sadly its so great that theyve been selling them for as long as I can remember... but hey, as long as you didnt know that, we'll still give you credit for thinking of it, but no money.

 

don't think i'll pick up aluminum bits. And most parts are aluminum now on newer cars.

 

Yes there is a large representation of aluminum, however, most moving parts in an engine that can cause damage are not aluminum. Rings, sleeves, bearings, valves etc are of the ferrous material.

 

Since my 1st oil change @1200 miles, I have 2 magnets on the side of my oil filter. Not sure if they are helping but it sure can't hurt. I have over 12,000 miles and 4 oil changes and the magnets never move an inch. Old trick by my mechanic friend....

 

It seems to me that any particle worth worrying about would be easily trapped by the oil filter.

I don't think the magnets will hurt anything, but I doubt a magnetic drain plug or a magnet on the filter would help.

I do know some racers (small block chevy) that epoxy magents to the head under the valve cover. That is for2 reasons.

1) If there is a serious spring failure the parts might be stopped before they fall in to the oil passages.
2) They can check the magnet for shavings as an early detection of valve/rocker wear.


AndyB

 

Does anyone know the thread size for the oil plug on the Z? For instance, is it m12 1.25?

 

I remember seeing some company selling magnets that stick around the oil filter on the Superstreet or Sports compact magazines. Not sure if it really work, espcailly

 

The guys that commented on the magnetic drain bolt are correct.
This is an old idea- standard on Porsches, I have them on two other cars, and I do not know if Chrysler uses them on the 3.2 or 3.6 engines. I have not checked my bolt yet for the magnet insert. By the way- when a magnet gets hot, it becomes less "magnetic"- the dipoles get confused as the temperature rises....

The oil filter magnet wont hurt- but won;t do much either. The comment about aluminum engines is generally correct. However, even in aluminum engines, all of the rotating stuff is iron based- so these particles can be trapped by the magnet. Some aluminum engines use Nikasil liners- the nickel is magnetic, and these particles could be trapped out by the magnet. But, if the filter is decent and the oil pump is doing its' job, you should not find much in the pan other than the odd particle or two.

 

Time came for the oil change.I carefully removed the sump bolt so as not to disturb any of the particles I was expecting to find but guess what? NOTHING
I was a little disapointed at first thinking my idea didnt work to well but then realized what a great engine the VQ is.
I even ran the magnet through the old oil to see if anything could be found.............. ZIP
A pic posted with little shavings clinging to a magnet woud have been cool hehehe
Oh well I guess its a good thing.

 

Thanks for your Experiment, we will sleep better tonight.

Even checking the used oil..Very good.

Cheers Amy -