[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Hello there,
I was curious to see what you folks are seeing on your magnetic drain plug when you did your 4500 mile oil change or thereabout.


Historically, I did an oil change at:
500 miles
1,500 miles
Now at 4,500 miles.


But, before this oil change, I did take it to the track. So, what I'm seeing on the magnetic plug here is after the track session and some around town driving after that for a a month or so after. Didn't get around to changing the oil right after.

I was hoping to see less grayish milky feel stuff on the plug.When I say milky is how it felt on my finger tips. The particles as felt by my finger dissolve to a very fine consistency, no hard pieces of bearing material or anything like that. The oil didn't come down milky at all.

I know that you'll always get stuff on those magnets. And back from my days of auto Mechanic school decades ago, they used to tell us an engine really fully stops breaking in around 10K miles so you may see good amount of stuff till then. (shrug) Been out of the field for decades so don't know what's new.

What do you guys think about the stuff on this drain plug?

[Z OH 6]

If the magnetic drain plug is worth a damn, you will always have some on the plug. Engine oil doesn't completely prevent wear of metals, it only slows it down. If you're really curious about your metal wear, you should send oil samples to Blackstone Labs.

I will say I've had my oil analyzed four times on my ZL1 at each oil change, the most recent at 9800 miles and the metal wear was the lowest it's been yet.

[ZLRob]

Where are y'all getting your magnetic oil drain plugs from? That is one thing that I have actually forgot about and haven't used on any of my rides and I really need to do that on my Z for the sake of catching the crap that comes off and circulates around.

[arpad_m]

I may catch some flak for this, but I use Dorman magnetic plugs and they haven't failed me yet: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QSWTMF5 (pay no mind to the fitment guide, it only knows about the non-magnetic version)

[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

If the magnetic drain plug is worth a damn, you will always have some on the plug. Engine oil doesn't completely prevent wear of metals, it only slows it down. If you're really curious about your metal wear, you should send oil samples to Blackstone Labs.

I will say I've had my oil analyzed four times on my ZL1 at each oil change, the most recent at 9800 miles and the metal wear was the lowest it's been yet.

That's great to know about your oil analysis being the lowest.
I did think about sending the oil to have it analyzied, after I dumped it in my drain bucket lol. I'll do the next one.

[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Originally Posted by ZLRob

Where are y'all getting your magnetic oil drain plugs from? That is one thing that I have actually forgot about and haven't used on any of my rides and I really need to do that on my Z for the sake of catching the crap that comes off and circulates around.

Quite honestly, I got mine from Amazon:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I did compare it to the stock one and found nothing wrong with it. The source is Midstate Corvette store so I had some confidence in it. I did keep checking it for the first few 500 miles randomly to make sure it wasn't loosening up and it's been fine since. I do have a lift so I just drive up and check easily.

[Caerus]

I have used Votex and they have a great reputation. Solid 304 USA made stainless steel and made in the USA from a family owned company. They also make a valve oil drain plug. Don't forget extra crush washers. You can order directly or get them on Amazon.

https://votex-us.com/part-search-res...er=8&liter=6.2

[Iconic]

Originally Posted by Caerus

I have used Votex and they have a great reputation. Solid 304 USA made stainless steel and made in the USA from a family owned company. They also make a valve oil drain plug. Don't forget extra crush washers. You can order directly or get them on Amazon.

https://votex-us.com/part-search-res...er=8&liter=6.2

I use the same one. I bought 10 crush washers as well. Made in Wisconsin.

[ZLRob]

Appreciate the input men. I'll have to get me one of these!

[Gunkk]

Counterpoint: I use a Stahlbus valve and send samples to Blackstone and pay the extra $10 for the TBN. Tells me more than a magnet ever could. Magnets wont collect non ferrous metals (ti, pb cu, si, etc.). No guessing as to metals on the oil. And the valve makes taking samples easy peasy.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by Gunkk

Counterpoint: I use a Stahlbus valve and send samples to Blackstone and pay the extra $10 for the TBN. Tells me more than a magnet ever could. Magnets wont collect non ferrous metals (ti, pb cu, si, etc.). No guessing as to metals on the oil. And the valve makes taking samples easy peasy.

Yep, but a drain plug will catch plenty that would otherwise be circulated through your engine. Countless studies show a magetic drain plug is a fantastic secondary filter combined with the oil filter.

[Gunkk]

Yep, or a magnet or two on the filter...

[SpeZ]

I personally glue 2-3 neodymium magnets on the engine oil filter.
At my last oil change I opened the filter and could see very small particles on the inside which were held on place from the magnet.
The oil filter usually only keeps particles bigger than ~20-25 µm.

[cdb95z28]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

If the magnetic drain plug is worth a damn, you will always have some on the plug. Engine oil doesn't completely prevent wear of metals, it only slows it down. If you're really curious about your metal wear, you should send oil samples to Blackstone Labs.

I will say I've had my oil analyzed four times on my ZL1 at each oil change, the most recent at 9800 miles and the metal wear was the lowest it's been yet.

This.

The OP asked: What do you guys think about the stuff on this drain plug?
Don't worry about it. A little bit like what is on yours is OK. Send it!