Magnetic sump plug

[Springate’s]

Ordered oil & filter from Roughtrax for a routine change and decided to pick up a magnetic sump plug at the same time.
Are these actually useful or more of a gimmick?

 

[Ben Stratford]

Very useful @Springate’s for revealing anything out of the ordinary between oil changes although any large chips will likely not be dragged towards the magnet so check the drain pan too of course

 

[nick_the_fish]

Very useful, although I'm always shocked by the presence of steel filings on the magnet when I change the oil.....

I believe a few is normal - a lot or large pieces indicates a problem

 

[Towpack]

Very useful, although I'm always shocked by the presence of steel filings on the magnet when I change the oil.....

I believe a few is normal - a lot or large pieces indicates a problem

I wouldn't say a few is normal. Any that are large enough to see after the run in period means a problem, large pieces mean a large problem. These are more useful on motorcycles with a combined engine/gearbox lubrication system IMO. Another option is a strap on magnet on the oil filter which traps any particles fine enough to pass through the filter medium as they stick to the magnetised side of the filter housing. I've run one on my Kawasaki from day 1 and cut the first filter open just to see if it worked and the side with the magnet (on the outflow side of the filter) was covered in, what looked like metallic paint which was relatively clean oil mixed with very fine metal particles. I've done the same with a couple of filters since then, now at 38k miles and seen nothing. You can buy these but a made one with a large hose clamp and an old speaker magnet.