Magnets on Oil Filters Anyone?

So, I have collected a lot of small, strong magnets over the years. I got the idea from looking at magnetic drain plugs to put a magnet on my oil filters. I also own a filter cutter so I cut apart the one that was on my old 350 engine before I rebuilt it.

There was a very fine pile of powdered metal inside the can, maybe 1/4 of a teaspoon full. Knowing the cam and lifters were shot, it wasn't surprising for me. Since oil comes into the outer side of the filter, through the media and then to the engine through the center, I was picking up metal before it got to the filter element.

Anyone else do this?

 

I use a filter mag brand.

 

I threw a couple in the pan last year when I replaced the oil pan gasket. Also put one in my power steering pump. The filter is the ideal spot…

 

yes, so do I on my Lightning and will on my new engine.
Also have a filter cutter just to check every time.

 

K&P Engineering Filters have a magnet built in.

 

I'd love to have a magnet BEFORE the pump so the metal doesn't go through the pump and destroy the timing cover

 

Sure, you can do that.. just put one into the oil pan.. the bottom of the sump would be the best place for it. GM has been doing this to transmissions for decades, no reason you can't do it to an engine.

JW

 

NAPA sells the Mag as well.

 

Hey Guy - which Mag? I searched the NAPAOnline website last night but didn’t see any…

 

I don’t think it’ll be on-line as it’s in our hi performance catalog / line. Won’t be at the store for a few days. But if it helps I can look then.

 

There’s an in line mag filter you can get for tranny cooler lines too

 

Sorry, just seeing this now. Did you get a mag brand magnet yet?

 

I use a magnet on filter....can't hurt....don't seem to catch much but maybe good thing......seriously, if you are catching metal there is an issue...but good to know before blowing it up.

 

Magnets won't do you a thing if your bronze distributor gear takes a dive.

 

Sure, but a tell-tale sign before the smoke gets out is always better than after the rods start knocking.

 

They can catch the roll pin after it falls out

 

I have a couple of high strength magnets stuck on the outside of my oil filter and generally stabilized there with a ziptie even if they really don't go anywhere (got them at Harbor Freight Tools). I also have a big ass welding magnet stuck on the outside bottom of the pan. I pull that off when I drain the very hot oil, the fast flow presumably taking some ferrous out with it. Regarding magnets in the bottom of tranny pans I've pulled three of the Ford pans in my little fleet and found the magnet collecting super fine ferrous, the consistency of clay particles - nearly microscopic. Quite intriguing to see that and I definitely recommend same treatment for anyone with a new vehicle after 30k miles. I always weld a drain plug into those pans.

 

To fit the 1258 NAPA Gold oil filter, MAG #RA365. NAPA# 735-5167. Our warehouse stocks it.

Not if you use a bronze compatible magnet! LOL. Seriously, wouldn’t it show up in sparklle’s in the oil? I don’t use that bronze gear…

 

Thanks, Guy - next time I stop by my local NAPA I'll inquire... and then juggle this and the cost of the K&P Engineering filter.