[GenKnot]

Just FYI...

I noticed that Lowes has the magnetic dipstick for the WEN GN625i and GN875i on sale for $9.29.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/WEN/5013489695

 

[LaSwamp]

I had wanted to get one for my big Wen but I heard that people had issues with the magnet dropping out of the stick and getting into the oil pan. Apparently, the magnet is held in place only by friction and can slip out.

 

[iowagold]

only if the aluminum is split.
the cheap units have that issue.
the ones i have links to are the better units...
or use the gold plug brand.
beefy units.

 

[LaSwamp]

only if the aluminum is split.
the cheap units have that issue.
the ones i have links to are the better units...
or use the gold plug brand.
beefy units.

Are the gold plug parts the drain bolts or do they make dipsticks too?

 

[GenKnot]

@LaSwamp
I make my own magnetic drain bolts using 6mm x 20mm magnets. I put photos here...

Honda GX390 Oil Drain bolt Size

I'm referring to part no. 90131-896-650. All specs I've seen is that this is a "12x15" bolt. Are there other ways in which bolt size can be expressed? Is 12x15 the same as M12x15 or M12x1.5?

www.powerequipmentforum.com

 

[GenKnot]

I heard that people had issues with the magnet dropping out of the stick and getting into the oil pan. Apparently, the magnet is held in place only by friction and can slip out.

I'll see if I can pull the magnet out. Some J-B Weld should fix it right up.

 

[GenKnot]

My dipsticks arrived...much better than the stock ones!

 

[OrlyP]

In an engine that is mostly made up of aluminum parts, how effective are magnetic dipsticks?

That question has been on my mind since I've learned of them. Even so, I bought a magnetic drain plug and plan to install it on my next oil change. No harm in putting it in, but I am curious if it actually does something.

 

[GenKnot]

I bought a magnetic drain plug and plan to install it on my next oil change.

I would tilt the gen over a little so as to not spill oil and install it now.

I don't really know about the dipsticks because I have not used them before. But, in my Champion I have a magnetic drain plug that always has some very fine debris on it. I can't put a magnetic drain plug on this new WEN because it has a drain hose on it where the drain plug would normally go.

I would think that there shouldn't be a difference between a magnetic drain plug vs a dipstick. They should both prevent the recirculation of magnetic particles in the oil.