I've been thinking about a magnetized oil drain plug. Some say it's overkill because what ends up on the plug would've been caught by the filter anyway.

So I have this question- what's the direction of oil flow? Does it go from the filter through the engine then to the pan, or does it go engine-filter-pan?

Because if it goes from the engine to the filter, then clearly what ends up on the plug at least didn't get caught on the first pass. But if it goes from the filter to the engine to the pan to the filter then we don't know whether the filter would've caught everything.


Next question- does anybody have any objective data on oil filter quality? I've seen people cut open filters but I haven't read of any recent studies on actual filtering. Consumer Reports did one about a decade ago, and they liked Fram, but from what I read on the internet Fram filters are about as popular as Saddam Hussein. That said, I have found things from time to time that popular wisdom hates that really aren't bad, and vice versa.

 

Had a magnet plug, not needed. Not that much steel to worry about. The oil flow is pan,filter,engine. You want clean oil going to the engine. Oil filters, thats a matter of opinion, I like Honda filters. Most filters say they filter 99 percent but at what micron, The smaller the micron the less it filters in a full flow filter. Most filter filters 20 microns at 95-97 percent and eventually less microns as the filter gets dirty. Most filters get changed before it filters any thing any ways. The dirt in oil you see is 10 microns( human eye cant see less than that) and the damage caused by 1-2 microns so unless your oil is clear its not filtering like it should anyways. Most of the dirt is held in suspension and could then deposit on the parts and then cause wear. The filter is for the bigger stuff that the small dirt caused.

Dirt starts as 1 micron and then builds until it can be filtered or deposited. The oil filter strains the oil and helps keep it in suspension. Bypass oil filters usually filter down to 1-2 microns but need a slow moving oil supply like the oil pressure switch with a return to the oil pan.

 

The oil goes from the oil pan into the oil pick-up tube. Then from the pick up tube through the oil pump gears, and directly to the oil filter housing.

Then from the oil filter housing it is routed through all the crank and rod journals, through the oil galleys up the block and out the oil squirters under the pistons and the lifters in the valve train and the oil galleys on the intake side of the cylinder head.

Then it drains straight back through the exhaust side of the cylinder head and back into the pan.

As far as oil filters.. I personally use Fram because they are easier to get off, sometimes the OE filters or if I have a new motor or am anticipating hard driving I'll spring for the AMSOIL filters. I have never had problems that weredecidedly oil filter related, so I cannot say either way which ones are good and bad.

A magnetic plug is a good idea for any fluid pan. Like the differential(s) in a RWD/AWD, the transmission or the oil pan.

Here is why:


https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...30k-miles.html

That is actually a normal amount of buildup for a new transmission, oil pans collect similar amounts during and even after the break in period.

The crankshaft, rods and wristpins all move about directly over the oil pan. As things wear they are gradually throwing little metal shavings everywhere.

A rare earth magnet plug for your trans and you oil pan are not a bad idea, but obviously not necessary. If you never change your own oil, you would never be down there to check it so it wouldn't be as helpful but it will still pull particles and filings our of suspension so at least they won't be put back in circulation

 

Thanks guys. The next oil change will be at the dealer (first one free) but after that, it's me. Not only a bit cheaper to do it myself but it's faster to change my own oil than to drive somewhere and have it done. Assuming I can reach everything- changing the oil on my Integra, well, getting to the filter easily took several oil changes before I figured it out. Was like a game of Twister, only without any girls.

I also like that Fram started putting a rough coating on the filter can so it's easier to grip.

 

the fit's oil change is very straight forward. no twisting needed. the filter and plug is right there, no covers to remove, etc.

i suppose for those that dont like the magentic plug, you can buy those magnets that go on the filter itself. i dont use either.

 

This should give you an idea what oil and filtration is about. http://www.off-road-outdoors.com/Lubrication.html

http://www.off-road-outdoors.com/Oil-filtration.html

 

Just use a good oil filter like purealator Pure one and you should be good. Having the magnetic drain plug wont harm anything so its your choice....