Out drive magnet plug- What is "normal"?

[CKBREW]

When I remove the out drive lower plug to drain the oil, there is a magnet to collect metal particles. I have a similar set up on my car's engine oil plug. In the car engine, it is normal to have a small amount of wear metal on the magnet. This is a very fine material- can't even feel it when you rub it between your fingers. In a similar vein, what is "normal" wear metal for an outdrive on an alpha 1 powered by a 135 horse engine on an 19 foot boat? I get a similar small amount of very fine metal that can't be felt if you rub it between your fingers. <br />Thanks. <br />Mark

 

[DJ]

Re: Out drive magnet plug- What is "normal"?

CKBREW,<br /><br />Same principles apply.<br /><br />However, your lower unit is running gears and roller type bearings. These may slough off a little more metal, in the beginning, than an engine would.<br /><br />Minute metal fragments, OK. Metal shavings/pieces-not OK.<br /><br />Just make a note whenever you change the lube.