Has anyone that installed a magnetic-oil-plug found any debris on it?

Hello to all,

I change my own oil approx every 5K. On my second oil change, 10.1K, I replaced the OEM oil plug with a Magnetic oil plug. When i recently changed oil at 15.4K, I did not see anything visibly adhering to the magnet portion of the o-plug that protrudes into the base of the oil pan.

Has anyone that installed a magnetic oil plug seen any debris/metal filings on the plug? If so, can you pls post a pic? If you did and didn't take pic, can you plz best describe your observations? Also, at what mileage did you first view the "debris"? Additional times?

After viewing Toyota Service Bulletin 2/24 re more 3.4L TTurbo engines that have had issues, and more prob to come, Toy. stated that drivers whom run their "truck hard" or do a lot of towing, the engine issues seem to manifest sooner. If yes to above, I would really appreciate if you could describe "your frequency of towing or hard driving".

Thank you very much in advance.

PS - I use yota OEM oil filters and QState Full-Synthetic 0W-20.

 

If you ever find swarf on a magnetic oil pan drain plug in a car or truck, the engine is on its way out the door.

 

I have only had one oil change w mag plug; really didn't see anything that was conspicuous.

At my weekend place, I have a 1996 Kubota M5400S tractor. It has 2 hydraulic oil filters and it takes about 42 qts of hydraulic fluid when I change it. Both of the studs [1 for ea filter] that goes into the Hyd-filters, have magnetic rings on them. When I change the fluid, I have a very, very small type of lead colored residue on the magnetics. It's barely noticeable, but almost like liquid silver goop no bigger than a drop that's stuck on the magnetic studs. I change the fluid about every 5-7 yrs bc it only has 890 hrs in 30 yrs. If I see something like this on the Toyota magnet, would this be acceptable? Not swarf, but very fine residue.

thanks

 

There is wear, so there has to be some sort of metal in the oil. Some winds up in filter, some would wind up in a magnetic plug. In the past I owned a series of light single and twin engine aircraft. We always sent oil out for analysis. It's around $25. They identify 7-10 different metals. They track the amount found and they can tell you relatively precisely where the wear is coming from. By tracking they can also report changes to the normal wear. I should probably start doing it on my 2024 Platinum.

 

I wouldn’t waste my time with magnetic plugs. Transmission and differential yes. Unless the rotating mass is made of steel or magnetic material it won’t catch anything. If it does it’s not going to save the engine. Your better off cutting open the oil filter and inspect the pletes.

 

Thanks Jersey & ARB. Grt pts. I know the magnetic plug won't save anything, but was more interested in determining if anything is detected. But, now realizing the engine parts are aluminum & like alloys, instead of steel & cast iron, I'm pixxing in tne wind. I saved the OEM plug so might as well change back I'm not pulling either crankshaft or tranny plugs at 16.8K. Appreciate the insight.

I've saved all my oil filters so i can retrocut & review.

thanks again

 

I mean, you can get a magnetic plug for cheap, it isn't going to break the bank. It may not do anything, but it isn't going to hurt anything either. I have one myself, used them for years. 2 oil changes on the tundra since I put the mag drain plug on. Haven't found anything on it yet.

 

i already have the m-plug on my oil
Pan. I'm assuming to put one on the tranny or crankshaft you'd have to drain them too? W only 16.X miles, that'd be an expensive venture, yes?

 

Not if you have a finger and the new plug ready and you're quick. Would only lose a small amount.

Also, the trans pan itself has magnets already from the factory.

I ditched the bypass thermostat on my trans and the PPE bypass has a magnetic plug in it as well. Also threw an in line filter on the trans. There's a thread with photos on this.

 

Thanks Nim..can you post the link plz?

 

I did, it's in my post above.

 

OP - Say you found swag on the drain plug or in the filter, what would be your action?

Put a shop vac on the oil fill, then swap plug - no oil will come out.

 

Thanks jct.

First, i think it's swarf. The coincidental word choice is what we used recently at a men's retreat. I was part of the retreat committee. We used the word "swag" for some of the clothing gifts we gave to the retreatants. Anyway, i heard that word about a 100x's plus over the last 2-3 wks so funny you said it.

Next, to address your question. I would take pictures of my findings and ask one of my credible ranch nbors to be a witness to the findings. I would then document and write a CMRR Letter to Toyota Corp & my local dealers Gen Mgr. The letter would state in detail my findings and document i have a witness. Why so anal? Bc I've heard & read posts where Toyota has denied the same type findings/claims to other Tundra owners. If so, it's prob a $40-60K savings. It wouldn't be too long that my engine would be cratering. I hope it does not

Thanks again.

 

I'm also curious. If this actually happened, what do you think Toyota will do for you after receiving said letter? (Aside from what is currently being done depending on warranty or recall status.)