Differences in filter relief valves

[thedawk]

I've been looking at the specs from different manufacturers for the filters on my vehicles and noticed that their are differences in the pressure relief valve. In fact, the filter for my 94 300zx does not even have a pressure relief valve, but the listed Amsoil filter states a 7-9 psi releif valve. My question is do the differnces in relief valves between different manufacturers really matter? Especially the ones that do not have a valve vs. the Amsoil SDF84 that does have a valve.

thedawk

 

[T-Keith]

The pressure relief valve is in the engine. I keeps the pump from reaching too high of pressure. I think that your thinking of the bypass valve, which keeps the pressure difference across the filter from getting to great. These pressures should be filter dependant, not engine, so it's not somthing to worry about. Do a search for bypass setting this has been discussed many times.

-T

 

[Steve S]

Depending on the engine maker, the oil filter bypass valve can be built in to the oil filter mounting on the engine. Amsoil and other filter mfgs. add the filter bypass so the filter fits other applications.

 

[TC]

As T-Keith mentioned, you can find more than you ever wanted to know about bypass through a thorough search here. If your filter does not require a bypass valve and/or anti-drainback valve, the consensus is that adding either or both won't be detrimental in any way you'd likely experience -- perfectly safe. Secondary bypass would basically be redundant and harmless, and adding anti-drainback where unecessary has little or no effect. There's debate on what's a proper bypass setting since these vary by filter manufacturer -- see the archives.