Engine Oil Magnets and Change Discussion? FilterMag

[Hexa Fox]

Hey guys, 

 

I was wondering how many of you guys use something like the FilterMag on your oil filters and what you think about them? I have always swapped out my regular drain plug for one that is magnetic. When I swapped it out on my old truck I was both surprised and concerned about the stuff it would catch. I am notorious for thinking about things too much. Anyway I already ordered one of these expensive FilterMags for the outside of my oil filter. You can see videos on YouTube of how they clearly catch and hold stuff to the shell of the filter. 

 

Having this in mind, I was thinking about how this magnet may catch this stuff. These magnets are known for being very strong, both so they stay in place on the filter and can actually grab onto particulates. However, I am now wondering if it is possible that these magnets are actually pulling the metal particulates through the paper filter? If this is possible it would mean that you are making things worse for yourself because you are letting particulates that would otherwise be caught by the paper filter and allowing them to go back into the engine. 

 

I have also seen people say things like they use cow magnets inside of their oil filter and just pull them out, wipe them off and place them into the new filter. I have two problems with using any magnets inside of the oil filter. The first being if it is possible that the magnet gets hot and loses some magnetic strength and can get sucked into the engine. I would imagine this is very unlikely but could easily cause catastrophic damage if at all possible. The next concern is that the magnet inside the oil filter will act as the first point of filtration and attract any particles. Therefore, not allowing the paper filter the chance to do what it is intended for first and allowing the magnet to hopefully get out the smaller particulates that people seem so concerned about in the first place. 

 

I know there are some knowledgeable people here so I was hoping for a discussion. I am getting ready to change my oil in my 2017 GMC Sierra 5.3 for the first time. I have not put that many miles on it but it has been about a year since I changed it so I want to go on and take care of it. I have 0W-20 Mobile 1 here so that is what is going in it this time but I am also open to what you guys may be using as well. I know it has been talked about a lot in this community.