Non-Magnetic Tranny Drain Plug - Did I Get Gypped?

Funny, I did a search on it just a few days ago. I found one post stating magnetic plug was used in 3rd gen and some other poster didn't think so. We probably should set a vote on this.

BTW, is the drain plug the same size as engine oil plug?

 

The drain plug in my '11 wasn't magnetic.

 

D.O., mine isn't either. I was a little disappointed.

 

You can buy a small neodymium magnet and attach it to your non-magnetic drain plug. Problem solved.

 

Wha

What if that magnet decides to get attached to one of the MG supermagnets?

 

I highly doubt the magnetic field from the MG magnets can overcome the force of the magnet clinging strongly to the steel drain plug from any kind of distance. It's not like the MG magnet is an MRI field magnet or something.

 

Yeah... what if the MG supermagnets decide to repel it and it shoots up through the floor and lodges in your nasal cavity?

BTW, my 2010 doesnt have a magnetic plug either.

 

Is it supposed to be funny?

 

Sounds like it. Anyway, just stick the magnet to the outside of the plug, it'll work.

 

I'm thinking about drilling the plug slightly and gluing the magnet into the cavity with epoxy.

 

El Dobro's stick-it-on-the head-of-the bolt seems quite effective.

I picked up a packet of 4 rare earth magnets, about 9/16" OD by 1/8" thick, advertised as having 8lb lift capacity, for around $7.

Putting one on the head of a scrap bolt, I was able to easy lift up a swiss army pocket knife, with the tip of the bolt. I put one on the heads of both the drain and fill plugs. You could periodically remove and clean the fill plug.

The only downside: to remove the transaxle bolts you need to temporarily pull the magnet off to break loose the bolt with a 10mm hex insert, demagnetizing the bolt (though it might retain a bit of magnetic attraction, having had the magnet on for some time). Then you can replace the magnet before spinning the bolt out by hand.

Brain wave: put one on the engine oil drain bolt too! A 14mm socket did fit over that magnet, but you want to leave the socket on the bolt head when removing, it tends to stay with the socket.

 

I use magnets on the shafts of screwdrivers to hold the screw onto the end so I can get them started in the hole.

 

I am ready to do my first replacement of the CVT fluid. Do the drain and fill plugs have gaskets? Thanks.

 

Yes. Both are the same.

 

Thanks.

 

The magnet I used was purchased at a "Science Supply" store. You know the kind for kids and school projects?
This is definitely an improvement over nothing.
I used a little sealant just to aid in cleaning it.
See my post on ATF analysis. It was horrible.
I will post a picture of the magnet after 10k miles also.