DIY Magnetic Oil Filtering

[rick3000]

I was recently looking into a magnetic drain plug, but decided against it. The reason being I read a significant amount about how some people are weary that the magnet attracts metal (assuming there is any) and the particles build up into a mound, and then break off all at once, causing a large number of particles to enter the engine all at once, instead of individually.

Do you guys think there is any truth to that though? I think that would only apply to the drain plug, but I am curious what people think. Any recommendations on better oil filters, than OEM, to trap more particles? Thanks!

[PhilNZ]

Great idea, should improve the filtration without restricting the oil flow. I'm going to give it a try.

Both my motorbikes have magnetic drain plugs and its always reassuring when I check and find no, or very little wear debris.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by rick3000

I was recently looking into a magnetic drain plug, but decided against it. The reason being I read a significant amount about how some people are weary that the magnet attracts metal (assuming there is any) and the particles build up into a mound, and then break off all at once, causing a large number of particles to enter the engine all at once, instead of individually.

Do you guys think there is any truth to that though? I think that would only apply to the drain plug, but I am curious what people think. Any recommendations on better oil filters, than OEM, to trap more particles? Thanks!

I've personally never heard that one before, but I do not think it has merit as once the fine particles are "agglomerated" on the magnet, any chunk that came loose (if it actually happens) would be more than large enough for the filter to trap. Magnetic drain plugs are widely used on gas and diesel engines, and I have never heard of the type of failure you are suggesting.

There are many filter choices in the aftermarket that offer smaller pore sizes than the OEM cartridges style filter, just do some research on their specs and you will find that filters like Wix/NAPA Gold filters are substantially better in this department, and about half the price of the OEM filter as well. Just don't fall for the "high priced" big name brands hype, you can get as good or better a filter for much less.

Another consideration would be to get rid of your OEM oil bypass, which tends to stick open and allow crud of all sizes to circulate indiscriminately.

[eicheldp]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Another consideration would be to get rid of your OEM oil bypass, which tends to stick open and allow crud of all sizes to circulate indiscriminately.

JFP,
Could you illustrate where the bypass is located and is it possible for a DYI'er to easily remove?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by eicheldp

JFP,
Could you illustrate where the bypass is located and is it possible for a DYI'er to easily remove?

The OEM bypass valve is in the bottom of the plastic filter housing. It is not easy to remove as it is plastic and unusually breaks in the process of removal. Porsche also does not sell it separately to my knowledge, preferring to make you by the entire housing.

[san rensho]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The OEM bypass valve is in the bottom of the plastic filter housing. It is not easy to remove as it is plastic and unusually breaks in the process of removal. Porsche also does not sell it separately to my knowledge, preferring to make you by the entire housing.

How do you check the operation of the bypass valve?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by san rensho

How do you check the operation of the bypass valve?

You shine a bright light down and look to see if it is seated (closed) or open (by pass). Use of a small shop mirror wand is helpful.

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by lkchris

This is pretty much mostly hype. Oil filter will trap most--surely >95%--of the dangerous stuff.
Lots of engines go hundreds of thousands of miles without magnets in their oil.

Originally Posted by jc986

I think I have to agree with lkchris, don't really need the magnets when the filter is there already doing the same thing - stopping metal flakes AND other non-magnetic debris, like aluminum, dirt, etc from getting into the engine.

I'm sorry to refute your beliefs but the factual evidence is in.

A lot of very fine ferrous (Hard) metal does indeed get past the stock filter.

I did NOT see any metalic sludge or particles trapped in the filter element, and I looked at it very carefully under magnification.

The evidence is stuck to the filter magnets, a very fine metallic sludge/grit.

Perhaps I can find a way to greatly magnify the evidence and take pictures on the next oil change.

I am hoping that the quantity of these particles will decrease on each oil change.

In any case I am reducing the abrasive grit in my engine and for less than $30, as I only used 7 magnets and a pipe clamp, it is both cheap and extremely easy DIY to position them and tighten down the clamp, plus it will last the life of your car and many others after that one.
Plus there is Zero risk of messing something up as the magnets are externally mounted on the filter.

True the engines could last several hundred thousand miles without it, but what if that $30 investment got you another 50,000 - 100,000 miles or more before a failure or needing an overhaul. Is that worth $30 to you?

Probably the best $30 worth of engine protection I have ever bought.

No upside to parts sellers as the magnets don't wear out, ever, and car manufacturers want their products to fail sooner rather than later to increase sales.

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by rick3000

I was recently looking into a magnetic drain plug, but decided against it. The reason being I read a significant amount about how some people are weary that the magnet attracts metal (assuming there is any) and the particles build up into a mound, and then break off all at once, causing a large number of particles to enter the engine all at once, instead of individually.

Do you guys think there is any truth to that though? I think that would only apply to the drain plug, but I am curious what people think. Any recommendations on better oil filters, than OEM, to trap more particles? Thanks!

Since you would remove the metal debris from the magnet at every oil change there should not be any accumulation large enough to significantly "mound" up to the point where the magnet cannot hold it.

However, the filter would be next in the oil circuit and capture the metal in case what you say is possible.

If you did ever have a mound of metal accumulate between oil changes then its likely your engine would already be in very bad shape and immediate tear down and overhaul would likely be required to avoid a catastrophic failure.

[jc986]

jb92563 is right, even if anything mounded up and broke off, it wouldn't be like a blood clot going to your heart because it would get trapped in the oil filter - that's what the oil filter is for, to stop crap from getting into the engine in the first place.
And anyway if you had THAT much garbage building up in your oil, you'd already be in trouble.