Shrapnel on the plug. Normal trans/diff wear?

[TerryH]

I've owned the car 7 months and finally got around to changing to Swepco yesterday. It was my first attempt at changing the fluid and I will find a better way of filling the gear box next time. Those $3 hand pumps can wear a guys arm numb under the car.

Anyway, these particles were on the magnetic drain plug along with a little metal dust. Cause for alarm? Should I start saving now for the overhaul? The trans feels typical from what I've interpreted from others here, a little stiff/notchy when cold, smoother when warm, never great. No grinding or other abnormalties as of yet.

BTW... the dime came from my pocket.

[K. Roman]

I changed mine with swepco last month. My plugs didn't look anything like that. Just some very fine metal dust. I'd be concerned.

[70SWT]

Usually when I see swarf from "normal" wear on a Porsche trans, the particles are much finer than that - kind of a little pyramid on the magnet. I bet you will need that trans overhaul (or replacement if more cost effective) sooner or later. For now, I would just drive it and get your money's worth out of the current unit.

[ChrisBennet]

Those bits look odd to me. Like "72" said its usually little "hairs" or a chips/teeth from the dogs. Those look more like strings of sealant or leftovers from some machining operation (drilling, milling). You said they were on the magnetic drain plug so one might assume they are magnetic. Are they (magnetic)?
-Chris

[IROC]

You should be seeing a silvery "paste" on the drain plug, not pulling chunks off...

I would be suspicious.

Mike

[TerryH]

Originally posted by ChrisBennet
Those bits look odd to me. Like "72" said its usually little "hairs" or a chips/teeth from the dogs. Those look more like strings of sealant or leftovers from some machining operation (drilling, milling). You said they were on the magnetic drain plug so one might assume they are magnetic. Are they (magnetic)?
-Chris

Yes, all those pieces are magnetic. Nothing else was there except the gray paste stuck to the plug. I suppose draining the trans again after 2,000 miles will let me know if things are getting worse in there.

The car shifts fine and I wouldn't have any reservations about driving it coast to coast.