KJL

I drained my oil to replace rear main seal and found a small amount of filings on the magnetic drain plug. It was so fine that when I wiped it off it appeared only to be a gray smudge on my finger. This is the first time I have used one of these magnetic plugs, is this normal?

jerryp58

I would say that the tip of my magnetic plug is covered with a "gray smudge" at oil change time too. Not sure if it's "normal" though.

flynhi

The smudge on the magnet is actually very fine metal filings from component wear - probably rings vs cylinder wall. If you are using a high quality oil, changing regularly and using a high quality filter, there's not much you can do about it.
If it gets worse, you could have your oil analyzed to determine the source of the material. Then decide if preemptive corrective action is required.
You might also cut open an oil filter just off your car and see what's inside. Non ferrous metals (such as bronze from bearings) will be in the filter.


[Modified by flynhi, 3:17 PM 12/16/2001]

Techno

I also have this and I think it to be normal. Consider that the bores and rings are wearing, along with all the other parts. On the other hand the bearings are non- magnetic, I think.
On my Outbords Lower unit I have one also. It was stated that if its a fine sludge this is normal. If it has shavings or large particles then this is an indication of failure.