Oil Filter Magnet

[oldndumb]

Panthers_Den and I have discussed various ways to place magnets on our filters and the different types of magnets that are available. I was going to go low tech and use what I could pull out of my junk box. Since I accumulate magnets, I had a variety to select from. PD was going high tech to the point of ordering one that was rated for our oil temperatures. I have not heard from him lately since his track escapades. This is what I did, and what the unscientific results are.

I used two disc drive magnets stacked on each other because they were the right size and are more powerful than the alinco variety.



This is what I found after cutting the filter open.



I do need to mention that I also run a magnetic sump plug, and I change my oil every 3000 miles.



I am satisfied that the magnets in both locations are attracting and holding the particulate contamination and sludge formed due to heat, friction, and the small amounts of dust, bearing materials, etc., from normal operation which recirculate through the engine.

Maybe the filter would catch this material.....maybe not?

[Simmo]

Well done OnD, a simple effective way to assist in minimising destruction. I wonder what the captured particle size is and hence what sort of damage do particles of that size do to an engine over time. As discussed on this site the motors seem to have a long life expectancy, curious as to thoughts of whether this entrapment will extend that life further.

Also, looking at the negative side of things, it would probably be quite unhealthy if the magnets 'dropped off' and allowed the gunk back into circulation as a 'lump'. The method of attachment would need to be strong.

Cheers, Simmo

[sincity337]

+1 on the HD magnets OnD. We go through LOTS of HD's and all of them get the magnets pulled out because they are handy little beasts. I've been using them on my cars for years....
Just watch your fingers around them, they can pinch the heck out of you!

[balden]

Any chance that some of that is from cutting the filter open?

[oldndumb]

Originally Posted by balden

Any chance that some of that is from cutting the filter open?

Always a chance, but I doubt it.
For one thing, I cut the filter body with a diamond wheel in a die grinder at about 15 to 17k rpm, and the filter was approximately 3/4 full of oil. I drained it completely after finishing the cutting. Yes, there was stinky smoke.

[mattigar]

Amazing OND. Keep em' coming. You always seem to post things we are all wondering. Very cool. I thought about dragging a magnet through my break in oil just to see...never got around to it. Did you do your valve check and adjust on your 06? I have a ways to go before I need to to that, but any insight would be appreciated. I was going to cop out and let Atlanta Triumph Ducati do it, but if I grow some kahonaz, I might consider digging in and trying it myself.

[dolson]

Great one OnD. Nice find.
Now I'm waiting with bated breath for your findings on the use of a pyramid over the fuel injection system:.

Jeez I crack myself up sometimes. Maybe it's too much coffee

Don

[oldndumb]

Originally Posted by dolson

Great one OnD. Nice find.
Now I'm waiting with bated breath for your findings on the use of a pyramid over the fuel injection system:.

Jeez I crack myself up sometimes. Maybe it's too much coffee

Don

Never though about that. I've only been using the pyramid to keep my razor blades sharp and fruit from rotting.....I think I got that straight.

Since I do not have an employer supplying tools for me to play with, I did not have access to a CanCutter.

I thought about using a proper chip detector magnet, but could not decide where I would mount the light. Maybe an annunciator panel would be the way to go.

[Panthers_Den]

Originally Posted by oldndumb

Panthers_Den and I have discussed various ways to place magnets on our filters and the different types of magnets that are available. I was going to go low tech and use what I could pull out of my junk box. Since I accumulate magnets, I had a variety to select from. PD was going high tech to the point of ordering one that was rated for our oil temperatures. I have not heard from him lately since his track escapades. This is what I did, and what the unscientific results are.

Ahh yes yes... sorry, been super stinking busy with work... so I see you finally got around to cutting open your oil filter. :-)

yea, I ordered some magnets (came in a pack of 4 and another set in a pack of 2) that were rare earth magnets and could supposedly stand up to the high temps of the oil and they also had a rated pulling force of 16 lbs. Which, btw, hurts when you get your finger snapped in between two of these magnets on accident... not too mention it was a freakin pain trying to seperate the two magnets from each other (and my skin) as well... not something I would recommend doing if you had the choice :-)

I actually ended up placing 4 disc magnets with a pulling force of 16 lbs each on the bottom of the filter and two arch magnets on the sides.. I know.. 6 magnets... overkill... but hey, I had extra magnets with nothing else to do with them so what the heck! hehe

No clue how good of a job they are doing inside the filter, but considering that they are picking up some particulates from the freakin ground... I'm sure they are doing one helluva job in there, they are surely doing a great job on the outside of the filter. ;-)

Not to mention the added benefit that I don't seem to get stuck at red lights anymore! so far at least. hehe ;-) With my luck, now that I've said that, I'll get stuck at one tomorrow...

[DaveM]

I've been using the same two oil filters since my bike was new by using the pyramid technique, I am only using to sumps of oil also.

DaveM
Nice one OND I am impressed.....again