An oil filter assembly includes a pressure relief valve adaptable to wide
variety of environments while maintaining ease of assembly and
manufacture. The pressure relief valve of this invention also occupies a
minimal amount of space within the filter assembly as compared to
conventional valve arrangements. In the preferred embodiment, the
three-piece filter system comprises a base, a deep pocket filtering
media, and a housing shell. The unitary filtering media and cap member
are formed as a replaceable component that seats into the housing shell
without a center tube or other outside support. When the housing shell is
threaded onto the base, the cap member is sandwiched between a ledge on
the shell and a seal on the base. The pressure relief valve allows fluid
to continue to flow in the event the filter element becomes clogged
whereby the valve provides ease of assembly, reduced cost, and reduced
valve size.