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Heads up with magnetic oil plugs - check the magnet is glued in properly!

Isopedella

Well-known member
Heads up with magnetic oil plugs.

Recently I gave my F3 a service. The last service was at a dealer.
Those OEM sump plugs were... well, scary tight. I broke a tool removing them along the way.
oil change 2347.jpg
They are tricky, weak, and easily stripped. Crap construction for something that is often removed in my opinion.

I have seen many posts where Blokes have had problems removing them.
Most swap them out for 6-point bolt-like sump plugs, with most preferring the magnetic style.

So I ordered a set. Arrived in reasonable time yadi ya.

I noticed the magnet from the smaller plug had detached and was stuck on the side of the larger plug.

Inspection shows there was a creamy glue in the bottom of the smaller plug where the magnet sits, but it doesn't seem to have adhered very well. It fell out with the lightest touch with a probe.

Remedy I guess is to pop another dab of adhesive on the magnet, light compression, and then let it cure prior to fitting to the sump.

This is what I'm on about.

mag 1 20231129_060031.jpg mag 2 20231129_060634.jpg

I for one don't want to risk that magnet going mobile.
So if you go down this road, I reckon its worth checking it is in fact successfully constructed prior to fitting to your engine.

The purpose of my post is to give you all a heads up, not to grizzle at the manufacturer or the supplier.
I have asked the supplier to pass on my findings.

Iso
 
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Good to know thanks might not ever know had nothing else for it to stick to
 
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In the past 65 years I've done 100's & of oil changes .... Early on a great mechanic told me before you put a Socket to an oil plug, make sure your wrench is set for loosen ..... then put the socket ( w/ extension ) onto the head of the plug and give it a few good raps with a hammer...... this breaks the varnish seal that ALWAYS forms on the threads. I have never had a plug that was difficult to remove ..... What happened to you is why I don't have dealer tech's touch my Spyder .....Mike :thumbup:
 
I bought a set of the brass plugs for when I did my 1st oil change. I found the OEM plugs to be fine, and didn't destroy them when removing, so I didn't use the showchrome plugs. Probably won't now. I definitely wouldn't glue the magnet back on. I'd rather not have a magnet, than a plug wirh a serious potential problem. No way!
Oh, and by the way, thanks for the heads up. As a mechanic for 40 years, I've never seen this happen before.
 
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Yikes, I have the Show Chromes, thanks for the head's up. JB Weld to the rescue?

Yep, I would say JB Weld would be the way to go, but take a flattened end drill bit in a hand type tap holder and get all the old glue or whatever they put on there off before you put the JB Weld on. Should let the JB Weld cure at least 24 hours before you put the plug back in.

I replaced my plugs with the hex head magnetic plugs on the first oil change, and the dealer has never touched my Spyder since I took it home from the dealership after I bought it.

Thanks for the info, I will be checking the plugs to see if the magnets are loose next time they are out.
 
I have them also.
Thanks for the heads up.
I'll check It on the next change.
I hope people will pipe up if this is a fluke or a constant problem.
 
I've made my own magnetic drain plugs by getting a standard plug and JB Welding a small earth magnet at the bottom. Never had a problem. I've done some amazing things with JB Weld. Highly recommended.
 
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Something to check on the next oil/filter service. Must write a note as it will be next fall before the next service .

Lew L
 
This is not the first time this has been brought up, and is and always something to keep an eye on! Thanks for the reminder!
 
IMHO....Anything 6 point is a Zillion X improvement on those disaster waiting to occur OEM plugs.

Least you can get a firm grip on it, and easily give it a tap to wake it up, if ya care to.
 
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