Magnetic sump plug

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mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Magnetic sump plug

Post by mrscalex »

Has anyone tried one of these? They are supposed to pick up any swarf the oil filter misses.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/sump-pans-and-sump-plug

Do they work or are they just a gimmick?
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2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Magnetic sump plug

Post by Del »

First came across these in the 1970s when I first started “playing” with cars. My understanding was that the idea came from old school aircraft engines. I haven’t come across them being used for decades and I haven’t been tempted myself – preferring regular engine oil and filter changes. Any visible “swarf” in the engine is probably terminal anyway.
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Magnetic sump plug

Post by mrscalex »

Del wrote:First came across these in the 1970s when I first started “playing” with cars. My understanding was that the idea came from old school aircraft engines. I haven’t come across them being used for decades and I haven’t been tempted myself – preferring regular engine oil and filter changes. Any visible “swarf” in the engine is probably terminal anyway.
I'm inclined to agree. I figured the fact I'd never heard of them before on here probably mean they weren't much cop.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: Magnetic sump plug

Post by peter2b »

I use to put one in my old mini drain plug ,some times the swarf is too small to see in the filter, if I saw a beard on the plug I knew it was time to strip the engine down
peter2b
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Devon Z
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 20 Nov, 2003 21:39
Posts: 651

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Brixham, Devon

Re: Magnetic sump plug

Post by Devon Z »

Put one on mine at the last oil change, can't do any harm I've fitted them to the engine and transmission of my tuned scooter.
99 2.0 Topaz Individual
Fender2004
Joined: Fri 14 Aug, 2009 10:24
Posts: 907

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Houghton-Le-Spring

Re: Magnetic sump plug

Post by Fender2004 »

I fitted one too it does give you an idea as to what state your engine is in.
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