Magnetic Drain Plug for Transmission: useless, or a good idea?
#24
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The magnetic oil drain plug works. I have small metal "buildup" each time I change my oil and I know I don't want that crude running through my engine...i would say it is a long term investment..
#26
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The only plug you want to use is a Dimple plug. Anything else is counter-productive. There is one company that comes close to the quality of a Dimple plug, although the magnet isn't the same. Its Gold Plug. Half the price, but still quite powerful. The part numbers are:
Oil: AP-03
Transmission: AP-05
$18.99 per
The reason any other magnetic drain plug other than the mentioned is worthless is because heat reduces the magnets efficiency. If you're using a cheap neodymium magnet, the magnet can be permanently damaged at normal oil temps. In some rare cases the slob of ferrous particles stuck to the magnet can detatch as a group and make their journey past your oil pump gears. There was a stanford research paper about magnets, and it was pretty scary to think I've been running a standard, skinny cylinder neodymium magnet for my drain plug [Shape of the magnet plays a huge role in heat resistance]. Sure, removal of the plug showed ferrous particles, but only because after the temps cooled, the magent was able to regain some of its strength to attract some of them back.
In summary, if you have a standard magnetic drain plug, remove it, or get something that can withstand temps above 300*f to keep the ferrous particles attached.
Update: Both drain plugs work perfectly. The Oil drain plug retains it's strength even while hot. It was actually rather difficult to install it because it wanted to stick to the pan. Forget about removing residual shavings, the magnet is too strong.
The Transmission drain plug teamed with Running Amsoil MTG (with an additional 0.5 qts) has cured my griding completely. Had troubles getting it into any gear and would grind nearly every time. Was a last effort before replacing the trans. No more notchiness or grinding. You will need to install one or two additional washers because the depth of the transmission plug will contact the internals. Otherwise, both are well worth the money.
Last edited by Bigsyke; 07-07-2015 at 09:53 AM.
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