Magnet Inside Engine?

[GoodWComputers]

Anyone install a magnet inside of their small engine to trap (very) small particles to avoid wear? I've seen the magnets that you put on the outside of your oil filter. Some have said that this is a "snake oil" trick that doesn't really do anything, but I figure its one of those "it can't hurt" additions to an engine.

I just removed the internal governor on my Tecumseh 10 hp TVXL220 engine. I need to plug the hole where the governor arm used to be, and was thinking of getting a very strong flat magnet, drilling a hole in the center of it, and using a bolt (with washers and the nut on the outside) to hold the magnet in place, possibly with epoxy as well for extra safety. Thoughts?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Generally, the magnet would be much more effective at the bottom of the crankcase. Instead of trying to catch particles on the fly, it will do it with the engine off and the oil settling. That said, seal the hole any way you can. It certainly won't hurt anything.

 

[mckutzy]

Drilling a magnet(of any decent quality to use for this) is going to dull any drill bit you can throw at it(pretty much, or destroy the magnet). They are a hard material, almost like a carbide.

A better way would be getting a ring magnet an use a bolt with washers and nuts to clamp it inside the case; Or a bolt that fits the hole and drill a hole in the end of it, epoxy a magnet in the end and tighten that in the hole with nuts and washers.

On bigger truck they have a magnet on the drain pan plug, I couldnt see why not that could be done to the plug.

(Edit- I see now that this is a tec not a clone motor, they typically have two plugs, im not too sure about the tec though)

 

[zbuck]

Drill with number 7 drill bit and tap the hole with a 14-20 starter tap, but do not drill all the way thru leave a little meat at the end and use a 1/4-20 allen head bolt with sealant. Best to use a magnetic oil drain plug.

 

[GoodWComputers]

Unfortunately on this engine the oil drain plug is not situated in a position where it would catch much of anything from the oil. I had thought of getting a magnetized plug but I already have a drain plug extender/valve I plan on using to make draining the oil a lot easier. Otherwise, it will be a mess every time.

 

[machinist@large]

I agree with TS, a magnet in the bottom of the case would be more beneficial. the only down side is to clean it, you would have to open the motor again. That being said, if you change your oil like you're SUPPOSED TO you won't have to worry about cleaning it for a long time (like years). As for the question of magnets being "snake oil", all three trucks I've owned with GM Turbo 400 transmissions have had powerful magnets in the pan FROM THE FACTORY. They work; end of story.

Pat

 

[jamyers]

I've had several auto trannys, axles, and engines with drain plug magnets, they work very well - you'd be surprised at what you'll grab out of a brand new engine!


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[beansdaddy78]

glad i checked this thread, i had never thought about that. sounds like a simple quick trick just in case, anything that prevents major damage in my motors (especially something so simple and cheap) sounds great to me.

 

[GoodWComputers]

So these Master Magnetics® Magentic Ceramic Rings (07005) are available at my local Ace Hardware... should I go with these or get something online that might be stronger?

 

[GoodWComputers]

They also have these options available:

Master Magnetics® Ceramic Disc Magnets (07041)

Master Magnetics® Round Base Magnet

What appears to be their strongest magnet, but no center hole:

Master Magnetics® Super Magnet

I don't feel confident enough to epoxy a magnet to the inside of the engine case, so getting a ring magnet is the only option I'm willing to try, since I need to plug the governor hole anyway.

 

[GoodWComputers]

Further research on the manufacturer's website revealed that #07216 that is available at Ace has a 16 pound "pull". I also found these Nedymium Latch Kits that have up to a 30 pound pull and have a hole in the center but they don't seem to be available at Ace Hardware.

 

[GoodWComputers]

Ebay to the rescue. Found neodymium (best magnet material on earth) magnets for under $5 shipped, pre-drilled with a center hole, in ring or rectangle shape:

6 Neodymium Countersunk Ring Magnet 1/2" x 1/8"

5 Pcs Block Neo Neodymium Countersunk Ring Magnets 20x10x4mm Hole 4mm Strong

I'm going to check the fitment inside my engine case, but I'm probably going to order the second option (more surface area and will extend deeper into the bottom of the case).

 

[GoodWComputers]

Buy It Now option, don't have to bid:

5x Neodymium Countersunk Ring Block Strong Magnet 20mm x 10mm x 4mm Hole 4mm N35

 

[zbuck]

Use a magnet out of an old hard drive.

 

[GoodWComputers]

Use a magnet out of an old hard drive.

I have a couple of those laying around, but mounting them would be an issue. I'm definitely not taking the risk of gluing a magnet inside the case, and drilling a hole through apparently isn't much of an option. For ~$5, I'll gladly buy those pre-drilled neodymium magnets on ebay.

 

[zbuck]

It was just a suggestion. But I still do not see the advantage of a magnet anywhere but in the bottom of the crankcase, but even then you would have to pull the sump/side cover to clean the magnet. That is why I use magnetic drain plugs on all my engines. Good luck with your endevers.

 

[GoodWComputers]

It was just a suggestion. But I still do see the advantage of a magnet anywhere but in the bottom of the crankcase, but even then you would have to pull the sump/side cover to clean the magnet. That is why I use magnetic drain plugs on all my engines. Good luck with your endevers.

Great idea though, especially with how strong the magnets are from inside hard drives. If only there was an easier solution to mount them...

Having to pull apart the engine to clean the magnet is a PITA, but that's why I'm set on using an especially strong magnet... it will pick up lots of stuff over time and will hold it there. I don't see any reason why I would have to clean it often.