vt sump drain plug,are they really worth it?

[mrVT]

Hey all today was browsing on ebay and came across this vt sump drain plug that someone makes putting a magnet in them catching all the dirt and metal shavings etc just wanting to know if this is really worth it? or just someone trying to make money on ebay just wanted ur opinions this is the link!

VT-VX-VY-V6 ECOTEC MAGNETIC SUMP PLUG - eBay, Other Car Parts, Accessories, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 24-Feb-08 17:03:21 AEDST)

[Raging Bull]

Hmm interesting, never seen one of them.

[accentstencil]

I don't have one but I have heard of them. They would attract any metal particles in the oil. You could also strap a magnet to your oil filter with the same results.

[Cheap6]

Maybe something like this:

Jaycar Electronics

and you could make your own. (There are a couple of other sizes available too).

[pablo]

Definatelly wouldn't hurt, I have fitted magnets to my motorcycle oil tank/sump plugs and always find a black sludge clinging to them when i change the oil.
I have seen adverts for magnets which are fixed to the outside of the oil filter, which would be a more appropriate place, since all the oil going to the crank is passing close by.

Pablo

[TheForgotten]

I can see 2 problems with the magnet on the oil filter. 1 rare earth magnets are ultra strong but brittle. even dropping it changing from one filter to another can easily break them and 2 you would need to be certain that the outside of the filter is the pre-filtered section, otherwise you'll have all the sludge pushing against the filter element adn clogging it up quicker than normal.
but it is an issue worth investigating, auto transmissions have a magnet in the corner fo the sump as factory fitment, so they can't be a bad idea on an engine

[minux]

Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't these standard on all Holdens? I know every Commodore I have owned it has had a magnetic sump plug..

[vncruzr]

these are standard on a lot of euro cars. great idea. my father in laws' 75 celica has one in the diff drain plug.

[TheForgotten]

i swear I have one on my VR, but they're not R/E magnets, so they're not as strong.

anyways, it really can't hurt to have a second magnet somewhere else

[Rhino Racing]

Magnets on sump plugs is very common on heavy earthmoving equipment.
The advantage you have over placing the magnet on the filter to me are obvious.
If you have an issue with your engine and small particles of steel have worn or broken off inside you can physically see it when you do your next oil change. This will alert you to either monitor this more closely or pull the engine down before something goes bang!
"The forgotten" has hit the nail on the head as far as the filter goes.( it could cause you more drama and you will never know if there is a high metal count in the filter cos you will never see it.)
So i reckon it is a good indication and an easy thing to check when changing oils.

[xrsist]

their on many new cars
excellent idea
you see after each service just how much crap is in your engine