Oil filter contents 40 miles after IMS failure repair

[Walter White]

James, could you make a recommendation on the magnets. Do you like the size and shape magnet you are using. Where do you get them? Thanks

[Jamesp]

Originally Posted by Walter White

James, could you make a recommendation on the magnets. Do you like the size and shape magnet you are using. Where do you get them? Thanks

I get them from a store named EPO or Electronic Parts Outlet in an area south of Houston called Clear Lake. They are likely cheaper on line. I typically buy 1 cm diameter or smaller. They are very strong. They have to be slid and peeled apart, there's no way to just pull them apart. The 1 cm are very strong so I chose them to install on the outside of the oil filter housing with electrical tape.

[Jamesp]

This is what I pulled out with my fingers on tearing the engine down.



I got probably 30% more fines out by weight using magnets and solvents.

I went through many cans of carb cleaner, brake cleaner, chem tool, a pint of acetone, a gallon of lacquer thinner (what the heck, it was just sitting on the shelf), lots of hot soapy water with over the top rinses with more hot water, towel drying, followed with a heat gun until no more water was evident, then plenty of WD-40 (displaces water and cuts oil and stops corrosion). The case halves got special attention with non ionic solvents (hydrocarbons), then an ionic solvent with sufactant (soap and water). Many small scrub bushes wooden picks, and a knuckle or two met their maker in cleaning the engine. Every part got a complete dis-assembly and then a poking and prodding into every nook and cranny looking for shavings, and no, I'm not a proctologist, but my car thinks I am.

Of note: look out for commercial "de-greasers" they can contain lye which eats your hands, and etches your oil pan. Cuts the grease great though.

Still, I expect I will find the odd recalcitrant chip that will refuse to leave with its brethren so I'm not too worried to find one or two in the oil filter.

[Walter White]

There's no substitute for some brushes, solvent, flashlight, a good eye and lots of elbow grease. Enjoy your ride James.