Magnets for oil filter?

[Ricky]

I am in the process of having an engine built for me and i am wondering if i should use that magnet they sell?

I realize this may not be the right place to ask this question so here it goes, as soon as i start the car when do i know i should change the oil on it?

 

[cestes]

I'm not sure those magnets are worth what they charge. I'm sure they can't hurt anything, though.

You can get some super strong magnets out of a dead hard drive. If you don't have one laying around (who doesn't?), stroll down to the IT guys at work or even your local mom & pop computer store. They should have some or be willing to save you the next one that goes belly-up. Dig around on Google for instructions on how to get the magnets out. Slap one on your oil filter -- they're mighty strong and won't fall off.

I think the common wisdom is that this is stuff the filter would catch anyway, but it can't hurt either.

 

[Gary Allan]

If you can't wait for a hard drive magnet, just punch magnet into google and you'll get all the magnets you can use for about $12 delivered. You get about a dozen neodymium magnets for about that amount ..and they are too strong to use for posting stuff on the refrigerator alone. You have to stack them to allow you enough force to pry them off of the surface.

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by Gary Allan:
If you can't wait for a hard drive magnet, just punch magnet into google and you'll get all the magnets you can use for about $12 delivered. You get about a dozen neodymium magnets for about that amount ..and they are too strong to use for posting stuff on the refrigerator alone. You have to stack them to allow you enough force to pry them off of the surface.

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If planned use invloves using in the oil, check temperature ratings. Some flavors aren't rated for engine oil temperatures and some are OK.

I don't remember which is which, but Mr. Google or a good magnet source should have the info.

 

[Ray H]

quote:

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Originally posted by Asimov:
[Edit: unless sheilded, don't get within FEET of computers/tv/monitors/etc]

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Isaac, this only applies to tri-color CRT ("color picture-tube") displays. LCD and DLP displays are impervious to magnetism. Projection displays using three individual projection tubes or plasma displays would be affected - but only while the magnet was near the display.

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by Ray H:

quote:

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Originally posted by Asimov:
[Edit: unless sheilded, don't get within FEET of computers/tv/monitors/etc]

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Isaac, this only applies to tri-color CRT ("color picture-tube") displays. LCD and DLP displays are impervious to magnetism. Projection displays using three individual projection tubes or plasma displays would be affected - but only while the magnet was near the display.

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What is it in a tri-color crt that stays messed up after you remove the magnet?

I set an unshielded loudspeaker next to our TV a few months ago. The color on the side on th etube the magnet ws near was messed up for several start cycles of the TV until the built in de-Gauser wiped out the residual magnetism.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

More details about the engine will help with your second question.

I'm not sure of the process for roller cams, but the installation instructions for a flat tappet cam should recommend a break-in procedure--usually varying the rpm but keeping it above 1500 for 20 minutes. (Best done without driving the car, to watch for leaks or any other problems. Easier with two people.)

Then change the oil and drive the vehicle to seat the rings. In a lower gear, accelerate to about 50 mph and then decelerate by coasting in the same gear, letting compression slow the vehicle. Do that several times. Other advice would be to not baby the engine or run it too hard for the next 1-2k, and drive at varied rpm rather than a constant, steady speed all the time. I would probably change oil again at 1000 miles.

This info is from my experience with flat-tappet V-8's. Others (including your engine builder) will be able to say more about other designs.

 

[Larry the Cable Guy]

United Nuclear

I don't know if these guys have the best deals or not...but they do have all kinds of cool things that I never realized that I couldn't live without. Check out "The Mother of All Magnets" at the bottom of the page!!

And I quote, "If you really need an unbelievably powerful magnet, here it is.
Uses include magnetic steering of nuclear particles in homemade accelerators, magnetic beam amplifiers, etc. Beware - you must think ahead when moving this magnet.
If carrying it into another room, carefully plan the route you will be taking. Computers & monitors will be affected in an entire room. Loose metallic objects and other magnets may become airborne and fly considerable distances - and at great speed - to attach themselves to this magnet. If you get caught in between the two, you can get injured.
We can only ship this magnet by ground UPS - it cannot be shipped via air as it will interfere with the aircraft's navigational equipment.
WARNING!
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NO TOY AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS!"

 

[Asimov]

Some of the most powerful magnets in the world, and at an excellent price. The strength of the magnet is measured on some scale, these are 48, 50 is the max. they _WILL_ give you nasty blood blisters, and you SHOULD NOT LET KIDS PLAY WITH THEM!!!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=413&item=6143140279

Another point -- the only hard drive magnets you should use are newer model magnets that control the head. The motor magnets (and speaker magnets) for that matter, are worthless, and loose strength whin exposed to heat.

[Edit: unless sheilded, don't get within FEET of computers/tv/monitors/etc]

 

[Shannow]

XS650,
while deomnstrating an electromagnet to a colleague (at least that's the excuse), our NDT guy managed to drag the picture clean off the screen. degauss didn't work (maybe we didn't try enough).

An electrical engineer held the magnet close(ish) drawing the picture onto the screen, then rotated it while walking slowly away backward...worked.

My parents (used to) buy a new T.V. if they were moving house, as the picture was distorted.

 

[Asimov]

Well, I didn't go into that much detail, I was simplying trying to impress on everybody that playing with these magnets is not to be taken lightly.