cltflatsix

Getting ready to change gear oil at~80k miles in my 2003 996 Targa with manual gearbox. Curious to hear what the community says about the best magnetic drain plug options.

uscarrera

I have these in 3 996s only note is to torque correctly do not over tighten.
Rich

https://lnengineering.com/billet-al-...e-s-turbo.html

steam_mill

I have a cheap knockoff and also the LN engineering one. They both sweat a little. To address this, I put a little black RTV on the threads. Solves the issue. Seems to be a common complaint if you search.

Justin76

I have the LN with no issues

cltflatsix

Thanks to all for the suggestions for the LN product. As I am looking to replace the Getrag gearbox drain plug, I believe the M22x1.5 version is the correct fit. https://lnengineering.com/ln-enginee...-x-1-5-mm.html

TexSquirrel

I have an LN oil drain plug.
No problems at all.

TexSquirrel

Check with LN before purchasing.
Their site does not specify that it fits our vehicles.
Submit a support ticket.
They have always responded quickly for me in the past.

cltflatsix

@TexSquirrel Thanks for the suggestion...I'll consider calling LN before ordering. I believe that their statement in the listing: "Also referred to by Porsche as an Engine Expansion Plug or Screw Plug and crosses with Porsche part number 90021900130 and N10037106" matches other online sources (AutoAtlanta, FCP EURO and ECS Tuning) for the gearbox drain plug.

steam_mill

Here's a thread on the leak and Flat6 response. It is minor and resolved with RTV. Non Issue for me.

LN Drain Plug leak - Page 2 - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

pulpo

I noticed people are recommending the drain plug for the engine oil rather than the gearbox, so I'm guessing they are interchangeable?

I changed the gear oil in my manual gearbox and my front differential a few months back. I reused the oem drain plugs. I found it interesting that the drain plug in the front differential had a magnet but the drain plug in the gearbox did not. I noticed that the front differential plug with the magnet is also m18x1.5. https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...124-014-01-OEM
Can't find the part number for the oem gearbox drainplug in the diagrams. but going off the responses here I was wondering if it is interchangeable with the engine oil drain plug?

Mdelay

There is a large magnet just inside the gear box, can’t remember if it’s fore or aft but you can feel it through the drain hole. I don’t think adding a small drain plug magnet will add much benefit.

Mdelay

Also- when changing the gear oil you SHOULD feel the magnet and surrounding area with a finger to make sure you’re not making metal. I had the dreaded pinion bearing grease (which must be magnetic) all over mine. I was pulling the engine for a rebuild anyways so I had the transmission gone through confirming a failing bearing.

996C438

When doing a gear box oil change loosen the fill plug first . Then the drain plug . There are many that drained first then couldn't remove the fill plug . Rutro raggy 😋

cltflatsix

With respect to my model (2003 Carrera Targa) (C2), the Engine oil drain plug (M18x1.5) and Gearbox drain plug (M22x1.5) are NOT the same. I can't speak to other model types or years...

cltflatsix

@Mdelay I hear you on marginal benefit of a magnetic drain plug. I am following the suggestions of a number of Rennlisters on a different post about the Gear Oil choices. Many suggested installing a magnetic drain plug is a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to get a read on the metal particles. In any event, I pulled the trigger on ordering the LN (M22x1.5) magnetic plug, based on my own research that it will fit (their technical rep I spoke to was nice and knowledgeable, but could not 100% confirm a fit).