drain plugs......

[Bohdan]

I thought that there is one more tip worth sharing:
on Ducati forums we have lubrication specialist (georgemts) who answers questions regarding oil and filtration and provides recommendations. One of these is to put several neodymium magnets on the oil filter to catch all fine ferrous particles created as a result of normal wear (mostly transmission). These are fine enough to get through filter and increase wear of engine.
This is based on fact and actual cutting of the filter to check for accumulation of particles.
I have ring of 8 neodymium magnets surrounding base of the oil filter, which I move to new filter on every change. These are strong enough to stay on the filter even during most spirited riding.
Just one more trick to protect and extend life of an engine.

[INTFIT]

Originally Posted by Bohdan

put several neodymium magnets on the oil filter to catch all fine ferrous particles.

Sounds like a good idea, and costs almost nothing!
But what is a neodymium magnet? At work we have incredibly strong small 3/4" dia. (Hollow Cylindrical) Magnets. Would that do the trick even if it wasn't neodymium?

[Bohdan]

Neodymium magnets are very, very strong magnets, far stronger then any natural magnet. They are small and lightweight and used where these attributes count (like disk drives). You can use ones from the old drive, but you'll have problem with shape matching curved filter surface, also temperature range.
I use these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Neodymium-XMOD-M...QQcmdZViewItem
Ordered 4 pairs and put on base of filter alternating poles (N-S-N-S-N-S-N-S). Because of small size and curved shape, they stick well with two straight edges on filter wall; close enough that you can then screw the filter on and there are no clearance problems with crankcase well. When you look at filter from the top, you'll see series of silver bumps circling outer surface. There is no problem to put filter wrench on top of filter.
For 20 bucks you have increased engine protection - no-brainer for me.

[brettski19]

Hey fellas, ordered my drainplug from the link listed in this thread (magneticdrainplug.com) It looks nice but the head of it is bigger than the stock one. I can't tell if the threads are right cuz i m not ready for my oil change yet. I don't care that the head on it is bigger as long as the threads are right. Just tryin to figure out if i need to send it back before i do my oil change. I m not sure of exact sizes but say the stock takes a 14 or 15 mm, this new one looks like 17 or 18 mm. I know thats probably not the sizes but just sayin it for reference. Anyone experience this?

[Bohdan]

You're right, I got the plug too and it is 14mm while OEM is 13mm head.
I will be changing oil probably this weekend, so I'll let you know if it works.

[brettski19]

O.K, thanks Bohdan. But chances are if both our plugs are bigger than stock thats just the way they are, which is fine, and thanks for correcting me on size, I didn't get a chance to throw a wrench on them but the new one is clearly bigger. Lemme know how it goes, thanks again.

[Eldercanuck]

As info, I bought one of the magnetic drain plugs you guys mention and installed it on my '05 at the end of last season. Perfect fit, and man - that magnet is strong! I think the strong little magnets you mention are sometimes called rare earth magnets. You can buy them at some hardware and auto supply stores. I have several on my fridge that I might pilfer for the bike.

[losangeles_S4]

Just ordered one for my 2002. I noticed that pretty much all the years have the same part number. Magnetic drain plugs are a great idea. My 1976 BMW has them on almost all the oil drains from the factory. They are a great tool in keeping tabs on your machines state of being.

[Bohdan]

Brettski19 was right - the plug is 17mm, not 14 as I previously stated. I have ordered 2 plugs, one for Suzuki and one for Speedy - 17 is for Speedy. Perfect fit.
Anyway, here is a pic of the magnetic tip at oil change (interval 600 to 1200 miles, end of break-in). Clearly visible ferrous shavings, magnet works perfectly. Below I enclosed pic of magnets on the oil filter that I use in addition to magnetic plug - effective and inexpensive additional protection.

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by Bohdan

.... Below I enclosed pic of magnets on the oil filter that I use in addition to magnetic plug - effective and inexpensive additional protection....

I like that idea!!!

(Great choice in filters by the way!)

I bet it has the added bonus of helping to trip the detector loop at red lights, too!

When you remove your filter after use Bohdan, I'd be really interested to see a cross section cut.