Gold plug oil drain plug

[mobilaltima]

Do these plugs really help out at catching metal particles or are they just a gimmick? anyone use one? Id like to get one for my 3.0 Ranger. The only downside is that Id have to replace the washer every time compared to the OEM plug I use now that has a molded in rubber gasket
http://goldplug.com

 

[Doog]

Yeah they work. But I don't bother.

 

[Chris142]

Why is everybody so paranoid about changing the washer? We never changed the washer until it gave a problem

 

[Brybo86]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Why is everybody so paranoid about changing the washer? We never changed the washer until it gave a problem


+1 I just flip the washer around and reinstall, going on 114K now. Zero issues.

 

[SavagePatch]

I think they're worth a shot. Definitely can't hurt anything. I personally use the Dimple brand.

People may claim that they're overkill for the engine because of the filter but if your differentials or transfer case, even transmission, didn't come with magnetic drain plugs I think they're a great idea.

 

[AKhan87]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Why is everybody so paranoid about changing the washer? We never changed the washer until it gave a problem

have more then a million miles on different cars with original oil drain plugs & even gaskets, why would you change them if there is no issue.

I never understood the drain plug gasket as a "maintenance" item...

 

[GiveMeAVowel]

Originally Posted By: 01_celica_gt

I never understood the drain plug gasket as a "maintenance" item...


Some of them really do need to be replaced. Soft copper "crush" washers...why because they are designed to deform and seal when torqued to the correct specification.

 

[ioci]

serious overkill
unless its a ferrari kind of car

 

[Lapham3]

Years ago the Lisle company in Iowa sent me a large 'samples' selection of their various magnetic drain plugs. I've used them mostly in manual trans cars and diffs on long term owned cars. They're a nice aid to judge wear and problems. I like them and think they have their place.

 

[Ducked]

Originally Posted By: Lapham3
Years ago the Lisle company in Iowa sent me a large 'samples' selection of their various magnetic drain plugs. I've used them mostly in manual trans cars and diffs on long term owned cars. They're a nice aid to judge wear and problems. I like them and think they have their place.


Magnetic dipstick makes a lot more sense, so they don't, AFAIK, make them.

You can, however, improvise one with a magnetic pick-up tool on at least some cars.

 

[Falken]

I have a Gold Plug.

It works very well, is Stainless, so if you are the type of person that always buys, say, a Honda, you can keep it forever.

I bought it solely as a "Poor Man's UOA".

If I see a very thin film of fine Iron, I feel a lot better.

At one point, if I change oil brand, and I get a thick fuzz, well, that oil didn't work out, or too much stop and go, so I know to increase or decrease my OCI.

It is a bit of a geeky purchase, but makes changing the oil a bit more fun for me

 

[UNC151]

Yes; they work. I changed the aluminum gasket for a o-ring gasket from McMaster Carr and now I do not have to replace the gasket with each change. This is the closest I could get to an OEM type gasket for the Gold Plug.

 

[lubricatosaurus]

I have a Gold Plug and a Dimple.
Both excellent brands, don't go to a cheap brand. Gets out super-fine iron dust the oil filter can't get. Oil filters only get out stuff above 30 microns, these mag drain plugs don't care how small the iron is. Great idea to use.

 

[Bud]

I have the gold plug on my truck. Do I need it. Nope. But I like having it, and in the end that is what matters.

 

[SHOZ]

Originally Posted By: GiveMeAVowel
Originally Posted By: 01_celica_gt

I never understood the drain plug gasket as a "maintenance" item...


Some of them really do need to be replaced. Soft copper "crush" washers...why because they are designed to deform and seal when torqued to the correct specification.
All Hyundais use an aluminum washer. I want to get a plastic one and quit buying the OE washer.

 

[SHOZ]

I had a superplug with the magnet. It worked great until the magnet fell out. Looks like they went out of business.

 

[Cujet]

It's absolutely a good idea. If only to indicate when there is a major problem with iron or steel engine internals.

We use magnetic "chip detectors" in helicopters and jet engines to indicate impending disaster! I'm not sure it does anything to save an engine though.

 

[greasegunn]

Never really found much on my magnetic plugs - I have used them in a Civic and an Accord. Will leave them in but not planning on using them on any new cars. Seems like the filter would get everything I saw on the magnet.

 

[Greasymechtech]

DimplePlug $35
Goldplug $20

Replacement magnetic plug from eBay or local auto part store drainplug help aisle,
I find that the cheap ones work great and no need to spend >$10 on it.

Notice a little magnet fuzz at OCIs, amount that can vary with oils and seasons.

Magnet on filter is another option.

Magnet on diptick? So genius but that would be too simple.

 

[lubricatosaurus]

Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
DimplePlug $35
Goldplug $20
Replacement magnetic plug from eBay or local auto part store drainplug help aisle, I find that the cheap ones work great and no need to spend >$10 on it.

I find the cheap ones have weak magnetic fields, so can't hold much at all. Dorman is a cheapo that doesn't work, for example. Dimple and GoldPlug are strong magnets, they hold more.

Originally Posted By: greasegunn
Never really found much on my magnetic plugs - I have used them in a Civic and an Accord. Will leave them in but not planning on using them on any new cars. Seems like the filter would get everything I saw on the magnet.
Not true. Oil filters can only get out particles down to about 30 microns. Almost all less than 30 microns goes through. Drain plug magnet picks up finer particles making a fuzzy paste.