Stick-On Magnets Boost

Stick-On Magnets Boost FARM SHOP Miscellaneous 20-3-32 Putting magnets on oil filters to pull out metal filings seems like such a simple idea that you have to wonder why it has never caught on. In recent months we've come across two companies that make stick-on magnets designed to boost oil filter performance. Zoor Inc., Redmond, Wash., says its new "Super Magnaforce Oil Magnet" simply snaps onto the bottom of any filter. It can be reused every time you change oil. Three sizes are available. Size A for light engines sells for $21.95; size B for semi trucks and tractors sells for $29.95, and size C for automatic transmissions and fuel tanks sells for $11.95. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Zoor Inc., 14572 N.E. 95th St., Redmond, Wash. 98052 (ph 206 861-8400). Another approach is to attach new "rare-earth" super magnets to the sides of filters. TBO Advisor, an aircraft engine publication out of Wilton, CT, recommends attaching four magnets per filter. "They're small enough to fit onto the filter but powerful enough to suck ferrous wear particles out of the oil," says a company spokes-man. "Conventional magnets are too weak to do the job - most of the magnetic field passes harmlessly into the filter's steel shell. Rare earth magnets are several times stronger than conventional magnets and are a relatively new development in the electronics industry. They're becoming widely used in stereo speakers and in reduced size electric motors. "If you cut open the filter after magnets have been used on it you'll find a pasty, fine build-up of metal particles where the magnets were attached. The magnets can be reused every time you change filters. If you're concerned that the magnets might vibrate around and change position you can use masking tape to hold them down." A set of four magnets sells for $30 plus $5 S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, TBO Advisor, Box 477, Wilton, CT 06897 (ph 800 707-4826 or 203-834-0330).

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