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Magnetic Drain Plug

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by radiocycle, Aug 23, 2009.

  1. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

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    Anyone know of a link for a 2010 magnetic oil drain plug. I see a couple of places that sell them but they don't list the 2010 Prius. Alternately, I can use the correct size/thread pitch etc. to order one if anyone has the info. I saw postings for the Gen II but not III. Thanks.
     
  2. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

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  3. esoniat

    esoniat Junior Member

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    It is good that this collect the metal but shouldn't it be caught in the filter anyway.

    In the filter you wouldn't know it was there but with this you would. But wouldn't things be really badly damaged already if you had metal shaving coming off the inside of the engine. Would engine oil analysis detect a problem a lot earlier than metal shavings on the drain plug?

    I always thought one of these would be good in a manual transmission or transfer case to avoid having a big failure turn instantly catastrophic but never thought they would extend my engine or transmitsion life.

    Any science on this?

     
  4. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

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    No science that I know of and I don't dispute anything you've said. Just figured it might be a cheap, passive preventative measure. Your reasoning is sound...
     
  5. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    Nice!.. last week, they didn't even have 2010 as a choice or toyota as a choice and I notified them..... Glad they updated!.... although they are still show the wrong engine size, an item that would make all the difference!...

    I sent them an email:

     
  6. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    I just got an answer back from "Tim".. he thanked me for the correction and says the AP-03 is indeed the one needed for the 2010 prius also.

    Too bad we can't put a magnet on the dipstick... I would be too afraid it would come loose.

    I"m contemplating a magnetic plug verses a valved oil plug... unless I can figure out a way to "not" have to take the cover off.... like put an access hole for the oil filter etc, I will prob go with the magnetic.
     
  7. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    Opps.. hold that thought.. there is still confusion.. I got another email asking me if the engine was a GXV620... its not..

    I told them its a 2ZR-FXE

    So lets wait and see what they come up with before you order.
     
  8. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

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    Never mind....
     
  9. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

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    Oh oh... Like I said I ordered this one: http://www.magneticdrainplug.com/Aut...lugs/AP03.html so I sure hope it's the right one. I was planing on having the dealer switch out the plug for me when I do the first 5k service. Hope you get confirmation on that! Thanks!
     
  10. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    Hopefully he gets back with me.. I'm on a cruise ship starting Wed :)
     
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  11. a64pilot

    a64pilot Active Member

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    Many vehicles come with a magnetic drain plug. Yes the filter should catch anything, but it's not uncommon for ferrous metals to be of a particle size that will allow it to pass through a filter, yet still be able to cause some engine damage or premature wear.
    Probably more effective than a magnetic drain plug is a filter magnet that attaches to the outside of a spin on filter, but I don't think they are applicable here because of the cartridge filter.
    At least one brand of aircraft oil filter has a magnet inside TEMPEST OIL FILTERS from Aircraft Spruce
    You cut the can off of aircraft oil filters at every change to inspect the filter media for signs of impending trouble, that's when you inspect the magnet as well. In our cartridge filters you don't have to cut anything to inspect the filter media, and you should do so. If you find metal, you may have saved some money and trouble by catching the problem early, like maybe before the warranty expires?
     
  12. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    I did get confirmation back and he says the AP-03 works in the 2010 prius too.... so I ordered on.... I was hesitant since I would also like to have a valved one, but after looking at photos of oil changes, it doesn't look like there is enough room for anything to stick out without hitting the shield... oh well.. if I have to crawl under there to change the filter.. whats taking off a drain plug?... especially if we go to 10K miles between changes like the strong rumour indicates... the filter will definately need to be changed too.
     
  13. risingsun

    risingsun seeker of the way

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    Hey Alan,

    I am curious if you have installed this yet, and if so, does the standard Toyota OEM Plug Gasket (Part Number 90430-12028 with the aluminum insert) work with this plug or do we need to order special washers for the plug? I bought a bulk bag of the OEM washers and was hoping I could use them with the magnetic plug if I were to order one. Thanks.

    Automotive Magnetic Oil Drain Plugs AP-03
     
  14. risingsun

    risingsun seeker of the way

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  15. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    The gaskets are no big deal.. they fit both the OEM and the AP-03 fine.. the problem is the threads on the AP-03 are wrong!.... they are too coarse.

    I contacted him and advised him of the issue and didnt even ask for a refund as its not worth the hassle, but he never responded......

    ----------EDIT

    Just sent him another email.
     
  16. risingsun

    risingsun seeker of the way

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    OK - good to know. Sorry to hear that this guy has been non-responsive. Guess I won't shop with him.

    Anyone else find a place that can provide a functional magnetic oil-pan plug? I need a confirmed fit, not just a page 'saying it will work'. Otherwise, I'll stick with the OEM plug.
     
  17. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    He corresponded well until the purchase was made...... there could be a mixup in communication.

    But it needs to be taken off the site for the 2010 prius and replaced with the right one.
     
  18. risingsun

    risingsun seeker of the way

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    Please respond here if you get a reply and a corrected part number from him.
     
  19. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    I emailed him and gave him the link to this thread... so we will see.
     
  20. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

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    Well, I took ours in to the local Toy dealer for the 5K service and told them to install the drain plug I bought. They didn't mention any problem, so unless they just cross-threaded it in, it should have been the correct fit. I think I'll be doing the next OC so it will be interesting to see if I have to 'force' the plug out or back in, also if there is any signs of ferrous debris that it caught.