Magnefine ATF filter removal....

[LittleCaesar]

In searching for why I have been slowly losing ATF fluid, I found that one of the hoses connected to my Magnefine was cracked at the end. Since the Magnefine had been connected for three years (they only recommend 1 year or 12,000 miles), I removed it and opened it up.

The pics:

Conclusion:

After three years and 20,000+ miles on the Magnefine, I did not find any big particles in the filter media or on the magnet, so in turn the tranny gets a clean bill of health. One thing that was concerning was how the filter media texture was like that of cardboard. I am guessing that is why the manufacturer recommends not running the same Magnefine for more than 12 months or 12,000 miles in case the filter media was to rip, tear, etc. Otherwise it was well built.

If I had to use a rebuilt or junkyard tranny in my 4runner, I'd use a Magnefine filter any day but for no more than a year. If I were looking for an external media device to catch possible metal shavings or the like on a 4runner with no tranny problems yet to date, I'd invest in a remote spin on filter with a magnet attached on the outside. I may do such one day, and will post pics if I do.

 

[Ronin1082]

I was gonna put one on when I had my cooler installed but decided against it just cause I would get one that would get clogged or something. I checked my fluid when the cooler was installed and decided not to flush it since the fluid was still nice and pink and clean.

 

[kball]

Cool stuff LC, I took my first magnefine off after around 8-10K and it was clean too except for a light coating of metal on the magnet. I'm still using them.

 

[Drcoffee]

I put one on the PS and Tranny of each of my vehicles. $15 ea is peanuts compared to the $5,000 transmission.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I would have zero qualms using one again, but in the future it is best to heed the timeline of the maker of when to remove. Also check the condition of the hoses connecting to/from the Magnefine.

If I use an external ATF filter again, it will most likely be something along this route, mounted behind the passenger side headlight:
B&M 80277 Universal Remote Transmission Filter Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive

Maybe put one of these on the outside of the filter:
SS250 FilterMag : Amazon.com : Automotive