CooGAR

I did a search and found a few topics in which vendors were selling magnetic drain plugs for the G37 oil pan. Anyone have any preferences on the magnetic drain plugs offered (Kics, TiTek, others???)

Also, are there magnetic drain plugs offered for the tranny and differential?? Do the magnetic drain plugs for the oil pan have the same threads for the tranny and diff?

Finally, I'd like to hear some suggestions on MT and diff fluids to use when I change them out.

(Thanks to BB for the DIY pics....)

JonfromCB

Magnetic plugs certainly can't hurt anything, but in reality if they are
"catching" anything, you already have problems.
Think about it...if a modern engine, not primarily iron, has iron
particles in the lubrication system large enough to "settle" out
of the oils' suspension, and supposing those particles would actually
make their way close enough to a 1/4 inch magnet to be
caught by it are "suckers odds."

And don't forget...a magnet won't catch aluminum, plastic
magnesium, tin, silver or other metals that might (emphasize
MIGHT) be floating around in your engine or transmission.

As for fluids....Severity of use and time are good guides.
Shorter change intervals can never hurt anything except
your wallet. Common sense evaluation of your climate,
highway vs city, load, speed, track, and how long
the fluids have been in service are your main considerations
to weigh against the recommended service intervals
in your owners manual.

I'm thinking of changing the transmission , differential
and transfer case fluid in my G37X just to see how it
affects this quirky 7AT. I will be using Nissan fluids
due to warranty, but will not use Nissan fluids once
warranty is up....if I still have it then.
Hope this helps....Good luck

CooGAR

Thanks for the reply.

My last two vehicles were trucks (because of work). Prior to that I did have a 2001 sports car that I maintained myself. On that car, I had a magnetic drain plug on the oil pan and the MT. Everytime I changed the oil there were some particles on the magnet. Same with the gears. Like the G37, the diff. plug was already magnetized, but it too had it's share of metal particles. Based on my past experiences, I'm in favor of using the magnetic drain plugs.

Namir

iTrader: (4)

I use the TiTek one. I tested it before I installed and it's a pretty strong magnet. The construction feels solid and the tip extends beyond the threading to provide added magnetic surface. I am only at 3k miles though so I have yet to change my oil again, so I can't say whether or not it catches any metal particulates.

I will say that my friend installed one on his A4 with ~60k and he still catches particulate every time he changes his oil. It can't hurt so why not? And the whole argument that "no particles end up in your oil and if they do they wouldn't end up on your magnetic drain plug unless your engine is fvcked" is based on some sort of theory, not on reality.

JonfromCB

I have no doubts that some frags will make it to a magnet, but meanwhile there
are many times more that won't get snagged.....including all the non-ferrous junk.
That being considered, is their really any benefit? I totally agree that It can't
hurt anything, but help me understand how catching only 10 to 20% of the
iron and non of the other stuff is worth spending money on? Am I missing
something here? Thanks

SkyMG37x

I had a magnetic oil drain plug on my last sports car and at every oil change there was a fine film of particles collected on it. Granted those particles would be caught by the oil filter but the plug magnet will hold particles at the lowest point in the pan.

BTW, the 5AT transmission on the 2007-8 has magnets on the bottom of the trans fluid pan. Not sure about the 7AT.