magnetic drain plug

does anyone else have a Dimple magnetic drain plug

I believe it is

$13 M12x1.25 mm Self-Locking Nylon Insert Hex Lock Nuts, Pack of 6

M12x1.25×12



Where are you getting replacement washers, and what are they called?

I'm not entirely sure what measurements from the plug above to interpret and apply to a washer
to hopefully order (or find) one that actually fits, and doesn't have some problem like the ID hole being too small

I would guess it's called M12xM12, as 1.25 is thread pitch.
I'm not sure if that's a hard to find size, or even correct

because when I check hardware stores online that do have a big inventory, they still list no such thing. Just other specs, such as
M6 x M12
M8 x M12
M12 x M16
M12 x M18
M12 x M19
M12 x M24
which I'm guessing is not the correct one and a waste of a drive to go look if they don't have it

IIRC, the plug only came with 1 extra washer. Given the price of the plug, and cheapness of washers, that's kinda disappointing. I feel like magnetic plugs usually come with more, and it's not really something you can just take off the truck, drive to a store without oil holding it in your hand, to check sizes for replacement...
No info on their site about washers either.

Gonna contact them and ask

Maybe an M12xM16 would work. I'm guessing that's ID x OD, with slightly larger OD providing enough width on the washer to act as sealing surface

 

I'll start by admitting I've only changed a couple of oil pan washers and those had been buggered by someone else. And never had a leak.

I'll also throw in that if an oil pan drain plug has ferrous material on it, it's already too late to matter.

To your washer. Why wouldn't the OE plug washer work? It has to be the same ID because the bolt is the same size.

 

Many vehicle drain plugs come magnetic stock. It is likely a cost-cutting measure from Toyota.

Dimple washer was all metal. Worst case yes maybe a dealer OE washer would work. I believe their dimensions were different. The OE has felt on it, not sure if that's suboptimal. Never seen any other vehicle plug have that.

Magnetic plug washers usually do catch some material. It is normal and not indicative of failure.

OE washer kinda pricey. Probably $1+/ea. Vs figuring out metal replacement dimensions, 10cents ea, getting 10-20.

 

Have had the Dimple Drain Plug in my truck for many years. Forget if I still run a metal sealing washer, or if I installed a reusable Loc-O-Seal.

True that normal wear ferrous debris will be captured by the magnet and does not indicate engine failure.

 

Are you really so tight you can’t spend an extra $.90 on a washer for your truck?!?


they’re called crush washers and you can get them on eBay

 

no it’s fine I’d rather just figure out what they are and a source to get a bulk supply to keep
that and wasn’t sure if OEM would even work with this aftermarket plug
I’ll wait for them to get back to me on washers
eBay sounds sketch for car parts

 

I've had magnetic drain plugs on almost all my vehicles. I think they are a good idea. Don't have one now because I have a Fumoto valve.

 

I have Dimple Drain Plugs on my 2013 Tacoma Sport 4x4 Access cab.

The original drain lug for the rear Diff, was moved to the transfer case as it didn't come with one from the factory.

The Dimple plugs are $$$$ but the drain plugs give peace of mind etc.

FYI the Dimple plugs came with stainless washers and have not leaked so the plugs in my case it was worth the expense the SS washers have been reused since new.

I feel that they were worth the expense.

TOMB

 

The drain plug is the same diameter as stock. Why wouldn't OEM washers fit?

Anyway, I use Dorman 12mm / 1/2" copper drain plug gaskets P/N 65271 (2-pack). These don't stick to the oil pan like OEM washers. It's available at most auto parts stores.

If you have an aftermarket skid plate, a drain plug with strong magnet is a pain, because the magnet likes to attach to the pan and not center itself in the hole.

 

you’re right it is a pain. I may have got it before the steel skid plate. Which mine doesn’t really have an opening to reach the oil pan.
So for now I take it off which is heavy and more work.
I could maybe one day switch to Fumoto but I think to work then custom fab might be needed to cut a removable circle or something into the steel skid.

Easier on a lift but on the floor I lower it on myself then caterpillar it out of the way completely

I’ll wait for them to tell me what they are but id imagine the washer isn’t SS. I’ve never seen an SS sealing washer, they’re usually aluminum or copper. But I didn’t put a magnet to it to test.

exactly. Car before this ran fine. Taken care of. Magnet would collect tiny particles. Nothing abnormally large. Just like a mag plug anywhere else on the car that some vehicles come stock with depending on location (diff, etc)
Sounded like a good idea to have that “catching” ability to clean it off every oil change.

only thing that sucks is it may not work that way with a topside oil change.
I have a Mityvac oil extractor but it’s shop air powered.
They also sell a hand pump one. I bet it works.
The Tacoma dipstick is big enough to do a topside oil change. No getting underneath. No skid plate removal.
But then that means no taking out the magnetic plug every 5k to clean it off.

pricey plug but stronger than competitors, bigger magnet, cheaper than an engine. Rather have that than nothing to try and protect it. Still a lot cheaper than a set of fabbed LCA’s and whatnot.

 

^Just drill a hole in the skid with 3" hole saw. No need to cover it with a door. All the aftermarket skids are done like that.

 

Stick a rare earth magnet on the oil pan by the plug. Remove it before pulling the plug so most of the metal particles go out with the oil. Put it back after installing the plug. Much stronger magnet than a magnetized plug.