Is the magnet on the drain plug supposed to be removable?

[striker1211]

I was changing my lower unit oil for the season and noticed some shavings on it for the first time and took a paper towel to clean it off only to have the magnet portion pull out from the plug. I've never looked that closely at it before (in five years I haven't had any shavings before...) so I am unsure if this magnet is supposed to be removable. It sticks into the plug pretty well (due to magnetism) so I feel like it's probably by design but I wanted to weigh in with the experts. Is this normal on a 1996 115hp lower unit?


https://imgur.com/a/Qmf9HAZ

 

[merc850]

I would leave it out in case it comes loose and damages bearings, gears etc. Buy a new one if you want the magnetic protection.

 

[GA_Boater]

Merc850 is right. Leave the magnet off and get a new magnetic plug if you want the magnet. If it drops off and the magnet sticks to a gear, you won't like the sound of money crunching in the lower unit. It ain't a pleasant sound.

 

[Faztbullet]

Uhhhh no...replace it.

 

[striker1211]

Good call everybody. I went by the boat shop today and bought a new mercury drain plug and sure enough the magnet is not removable. For $7.95 the peace of mind is well worth it, plus it came with a new gasket that I always forget to buy enough of....