Magnetic drain plug for 6MT gearbox

juld0zer · 10-13-2013, 10:09 PM

Hey guys,
Just thought I'd share my success with installing a magnetic drain plug into my 6MT gearbox.

The plug i used is a Dimple M18 x 1.5 x 12 intended for a Harley, BMW or Mini.
Thanks for a chap on a 350Z forum who identified the correct thread to look for, sourcing a suitable plug was very easy and involved no trial and error (aside from the risk of the forum member stating the wrong thread spec).

The gearbox does have some magnets installed in the bottom of the box but those require gearbox disassembly to inspect and i doubt their strength. I found fine metal particles attached to the tip of the input speed sensor at the upper rear end of the gearbox (Aussie 370z's have SRM standard) and this caused problems with SRM. Although the amount of debris was negligible, it was sufficient to cause issues.

Total cost: AU$40 + shipping.
Comes with 2 aluminium crush washers. The plug is not compatible with OEM washers as the butt diameter is too narrow to seal properly using OEM washers (OEM washer has a larger inner diameter).

As you can see from the pic, the tip of the replacement plug actually doesnt reach as far as the OEM plug so there's no risk of collision with any internals.

New plug requires a 17mm socket to loosen/tighten. I've done it up to the FSM torque spec and will check regularly for leaks.

takjak2 · 10-14-2013, 10:06 AM

Nice find. Thanks for sharing. Rep given!

DEpointfive0 · 10-14-2013, 10:07 AM

Why not use some hard drive magnets?

Fountainhead · 10-14-2013, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0

Why not use some hard drive magnets?

I have all manner of neodymium magnets, I'll put one on the outside end of the oil drain plug, (round and fits perfectly) but never inside. Since I know better than to do this, then I know that the magnet will magically fly off into the gears....if I do!

I guess you could glue on on the end of the bolt but I'd rather have one purpose built/pressed into the end of the bolt.

DEpointfive0 · 10-14-2013, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fountainhead

I have all manner of neodymium magnets, I'll put one on the outside end of the oil drain plug, (round and fits perfectly) but never inside. Since I know better than to do this, then I know that the magnet will magically fly off into the gears....if I do!

I guess you could glue on on the end of the bolt but I'd rather have one purpose built/pressed into the end of the bolt.

I mean just put some on the pan itself, they are so damn strong that they won't move, and they can accept a LOT of material. (I guess that theoretically if you do a fluid drain that it won't let the gunk out, but if that's really a fear, just leave the magnet there forever? Or take the magnet off, go for a 30 second drive, to kick the shít up, then drain it?)

Personally I put 2 HD magnets on my oil filter, I don't open them after (although I should) but it gives me piece of mind, AND they're free

juld0zer · 10-14-2013, 05:10 PM

There is no pan on the 6MT. The exterior shell is aluminium so you'd need to strap those HDD magnets on with some gaffa tape. But in theory, HDD magnets would be a good choice - great however for attaching to oil filters though.

DEpointfive0 · 10-14-2013, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juld0zer

There is no pan on the 6MT. The exterior shell is aluminium so you'd need to strap those HDD magnets on with some gaffa tape. But in theory, HDD magnets would be a good choice - great however for attaching to oil filters though.

Oh...
Did not know that, thanks for the info though!

And in that case... Carry on!

Fountainhead · 10-14-2013, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0

I mean just put some on the pan itself, they are so damn strong that they won't move, and they can accept a LOT of material. (I guess that theoretically if you do a fluid drain that it won't let the gunk out, but if that's really a fear, just leave the magnet there forever? Or take the magnet off, go for a 30 second drive, to kick the shít up, then drain it?)

Personally I put 2 HD magnets on my oil filter, I don't open them after (although I should) but it gives me piece of mind, AND they're free

Good idea! I've got some rather dangerous HDD Neos that have no other use than to pinch me or adorn metal in my shop. I'll stick them on the oil filter!
Gotta be better than nothing right? I change my own oil so they won't get thrown away.

10-13-2013, 10:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
juld0zer Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 428 Drives: 11 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 138	Magnetic drain plug for 6MT gearbox Hey guys, Just thought I'd share my success with installing a magnetic drain plug into my 6MT gearbox. The plug i used is a Dimple M18 x 1.5 x 12 intended for a Harley, BMW or Mini. Thanks for a chap on a 350Z forum who identified the correct thread to look for, sourcing a suitable plug was very easy and involved no trial and error (aside from the risk of the forum member stating the wrong thread spec). The gearbox does have some magnets installed in the bottom of the box but those require gearbox disassembly to inspect and i doubt their strength. I found fine metal particles attached to the tip of the input speed sensor at the upper rear end of the gearbox (Aussie 370z's have SRM standard) and this caused problems with SRM. Although the amount of debris was negligible, it was sufficient to cause issues. Total cost: AU$40 + shipping. Comes with 2 aluminium crush washers. The plug is not compatible with OEM washers as the butt diameter is too narrow to seal properly using OEM washers (OEM washer has a larger inner diameter). As you can see from the pic, the tip of the replacement plug actually doesnt reach as far as the OEM plug so there's no risk of collision with any internals. New plug requires a 17mm socket to loosen/tighten. I've done it up to the FSM torque spec and will check regularly for leaks. fuct, gSwift and Fountainhead like this.

10-14-2013, 10:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
takjak2 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sterling, VA Posts: 1,922 Drives: Legit Racecar 370Z Rep Power: 142	Nice find. Thanks for sharing. Rep given! __________________ Mods \| Stuff \| Things \| Seat Time \| Nismo facebook.com/TeamSparrowSpeed

10-14-2013, 10:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
DEpointfive0 Premium Member Bitches Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,824 Drives: a lot Rep Power: 17151	Why not use some hard drive magnets? SuperDave likes this. __________________ Do YOU want to know what/where I got my username from? ( Click to show/hide ) NSFW due to language:

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10-14-2013, 05:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
juld0zer Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 428 Drives: 11 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 138	There is no pan on the 6MT. The exterior shell is aluminium so you'd need to strap those HDD magnets on with some gaffa tape. But in theory, HDD magnets would be a good choice - great however for attaching to oil filters though.