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YOUR RESEARCHECS drain plug
Leading reported evidence
Replace oil myself
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
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0
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1
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Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Changed the oil myself for the first time today, and discovered an ECS magnetic drain plug.
Leading evidence: 'Replace oil myself' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend never' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I've never considered the oil drain plug something that needs to be replaced on a regular schedule.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I used it, change the washer the next time, then the plug gets replaced, rinse & repeat.
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Suggestion
i recommend never using them as a parts source for your car.
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Suggestion
On my first oil change, I tried to torque it to the factory specs instead of the lower LN torque and damaged it.
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Changed the oil myself for the first time today, and discovered an ECS magnetic drain plug.
I've read some complaints about these things in various forums. Anybody here have a comment?
If I should replace it the next time I change the oil, should I just use the OEM version, or something from some other vendor?
I originally put one on my car, but then changed to an LN.
Ive put the ECS Tuning on my M96 on my engine stand in my garage.
I have a spare LN now too.
The factory part is soft aluminum and will begin to strip the hex key hole after about three times. The LN magnetic plug is anodized (hardened) and is a better solution. I've had one for years and it works. Always use a new washer!
The OEM drain plug doesn't have a magnet like the LN piece to collect ferrous debris. As previously stated the LN magnetic plug has the torque value etched on them now (early versions didn't). I've been guilty of over torquing one and breaking the flange on the LN piece, causing a small leak.
I have been using the ECS magnetic plug for years. New one, every other oil change.
I used it, change the washer the next time, then the plug gets replaced, rinse & repeat.
I see that as an option, although a disappointing one. I've never considered the oil drain plug something that needs to be replaced on a regular schedule.
I've never owned a performance car like this, but the drain plug is something that should last the life of the car (IMO).
IMO, I think the AOS, oil filler pipe, alternator, passenger side visor mirror cover, console lid hinge and serpentine belt and so on should also last the life of the car (all have been replaced on my 20 year old car, and so much more.) What kind of cheap *** cars are these? Face reality...the oil drain plug just needs to be replaced on a periodic basis, if you do routine oil changes. Ummm...you could also opt to never change your oil and then the plug will last "the life of the car."
Also, define "the life of the car." Michigan salty roads? Norway snow? Arizona? Japan? See, a lot depends on where the car is driven and in what conditions. It's a Porsche! Buy a new drain plug and move on.....
What I am trying to say is that there are going to be a LOT of issues to address, this is not one of them.
I can vouch for the fact that the LN is also easy to strip. On my first oil change, I tried to torque it to the factory specs instead of the lower LN torque and damaged it.
I had one of the early LN drain plugs and did the same thing...broke the flange part. Called LN and they sent me a new upgraded one for free. Been using it ever since with no problems.
Just another way of looking at it.
There was a thread a while back, that discussed coil packs, and someone not wanting to replace them in a car 15+ years old.
I guess that is just a different way to look at owning a Porsche, that is why when people purchase one, a PPI must be done, but also documentation of service and preventive maintenance.
I purchased my 2003 about six years ago, it had all service and maintenance documented since new, nothing on the cheap, it did however come with a price tag that was reflective.
I continued it, I hope that it will be appreciated by the next owner.
Also stripped my first LN oil drain plug. Glad to learn I'm not the only doofus here.
More careful now. If that was the only part I ever broke on my 996..........
Dont use the ECS plug. i bought the magnetic one for my 997.2 i slowly turned it and it seemed ok until i heard something crack inside.
i knew this was bad so i removed the pan and voila that plug is way too long. Notice the plastic fragment and the broken baffle above the drain hole.
this isn�t the first time ive been burned by ECS. i recommend never using them as a parts source for your car.
notice the fragment in lower right and the fracture above the drain hole
this view shows the interference and how the ECS plug is way too long
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