I need to replace my oil-drain plug, and was wondering whether to buy the magnetic one instead. Anyone had any experience with this ? I've not heard good stuff about MTC so just want to check with the group first.

Also - has anyone purchased bushings for their alternator or A/C compressors from FcpGroton ? These are those 1-1/2 inch diameter thick rubber cylinders that the alternator is anchored on and that are constantly wearing out. I've heard complaints about the polyutherene ones sold by FcpGroton - so was wondering if the rubber ones are any better.

Thanks,

Noel

I got two from Groton about 6 months ago. One for each of my bricks. One ht last oil change, the "chrome" coating had started to come off the tip of one. The "chrome" was still held to the magnet, but it was loose and wiped off with the rest of the ferrous sludge. The other one looks new.

I think I like the idea of the external magnet better since the magnetic plug can be difficult to manipulate when near the pan for obvious reasons. I don't care if the sludge comes loose when I remove the external magnet just before my oil change. It will still be in the bottom of the pan and should come out with the oil.

Of course, then I wouldn't get the satisfaction of wiping off that black sludge and feeling like I did my engine a big favor.
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Andy in St. Paul, '91 745 Regina 198K mi, '89 244 142K, '87 245 RIP

I've using one from FCP for over a year with no problems. I find minute traces of ferrous material at every oil change, would have to be from rings, cylinder walls, camshaft, followers or wristpins. Any large chunks of shiney material would likely be spalling of the camshaft lobe apex.
You'll never see any bearing material or aluminum.
A good oil analysis every 50,000 would be a better bet. IMO

Sounds like KANE isn't happy with the plug. I'd just stick a magnet on the bottom of the oil pan next to the Drain Plug. Pull it off just before taking out the drain plug during an oil change. I too bought from IPD when I did my ALt. Bushings.
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'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me

Actually that's what I was planning to do. I have those extremely powerful hard-disk magnets that I could stick at the bottom of a regular plug. However, they're big, and removing them prior to unscrewing the plug might cause the dislodging of any particles collected there.

I think that's what I'm going to do though. I could make the magnet small-enough so it dosn't need to be removed. Will also attach another of those magnets to the tranny plug.

Thanks,

Noel

Skip it. I got 3 uses off the plug before the threads started wearing and causing a small leak. Poor manufacturing tolerance + weak metal = eventual failure.

Thought I could save a few dollars ... lesson learned, and I'll be buying another iPd plug (which is made a lot better) to replace the one I swiped off one of my other cars at the last oil change.

No comment on the FCP poly bushings. I have the iPd ones on my two newer cars, and they've held up fine so far.

-- Kane
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

The painted coating on the the tip of the magnet started wearing off on mine. I think I'll switch to the IPD one. Although I don't really see much on the tip. Maybe I'll switch to the kind that has a spout...
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Paul NW Indiana '89 740 Turbo 110,000

The iPd one has a smaller magnet that's recessed into the plug itself, hence there's no stub sticking out.

-- Kane
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40