just disproved my warped filter theory. i put the last filter back on and started the engine, waited for the pressure at the gauge to rise to normal (60 psi cold), and then went to inspect the filter. it pushed the oring out while i was watching. the filter wasnt hitting anything and had no signs of damage from the last time. it has to be pressure. where is the oil pressure gauge signal from? before or after the filter? is there an oil pathway that can be partially plugged that would cause pressure to rise in the filter?

I ain't believ'n what I am reading.. How tight are you twisting them filters on? Are you twisting them with a filter wrench? If not them do it! Measure across the seal surface on the engine fitting and then measure across the rubber gasket to meke sure you have the correct filter... Then put one on there with a wrench as tight as you can without bending the filter.. Then try it again...
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

i did not use a filter wrench. i will try tommorrow though. seems strange to me, ive never had this problem before and i never use a filter wrench to put a filter on anything. usually just for taking a tough one off. i found a picture of the filter assembly and i see where the bypass spring and valve are. is it there to relieve pressure? if so what could be causing this new rise in pressure? i also noticed in the diagram that there was some kind of pressure valve on the pump itself. is it a possible cause? could these valves be stuck and causing my problem?

stupid question, but have you checked to make sure you dont have 2 filter gaskets in there? I had one that stuck to the block once, and I didnt notice it wasnt on the filter when I took it off, so I had 2 doubled up when I put the new filter on, and it leaked at the filter. Just a thought.

Sean

The pressure release on the pump keeps the pressure to the factory preset amount.. The release on the filter simply bypasses a dirty filter and alows oil to go in the same places although it is NOT filtered.. This bypass does not lower the pressure.
The 2ed rubber seal is a good idea! Glad someone thought of that.
Have you measured and made sure you are using the correct filter?
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

there isnt a second rubber seal. good idea though. one thing i forgot to mention earlier is that after i first noticed the oil gushing out i checked the oil level to see how much had leaked out. when i pulled the dipstick it had black sticky oil film and dirt particles on it. the oil has always stayed clean before. i assume the particles are dirt because it doesnt stick to a magnet. is it possible this substance has plugged a hole just past the filter? if so, how do i check it or clean it?

How bad is it missing? It could be piston parts! But there is no way of checking till the oil filter problem is resolved. You might do a compression test. that could tell you quite a bit.. but other than that you need the oil to stay put to get it started..
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

its missing bad. as for the bits being piston parts, are pistons made of magnetic steel? i assumed they were. anyway im going to borrow a friends compression tester. can i test it without starting the engine (unplugging the coil wire and turning it over)?

update. i tightened the filter as much as i could with a wrench. solved the oring problem, but i still have a pressure problem. its holding seventy pounds at idle after the engine reaches operating temp ( about 50 more than normal) and if i give it any throttle it pegs the gage. back to the missing for now. i removed the valve cover and started the engine. the very front rocker isnt rocking. i pressed down it over the pushrod is moving but the rocker has to much slack to open the valve. i watched all the rockers and noticed that some of them travel more than others. what can it be?

hmmmm... It could be a worn camshaft or a bent valve or a backed off nut on the rocker..
First thing I'd do is to put a wrench on the nut and see if it is tight.. CAREFUL! don't twist it off!
Then I'd look at the rocker ball to see if it is worn out.
DO THIS.. put your hand on the rocker and see if it has slack in it at full closed/valve... if it does then press on the lifter side of the rocker and see if the lifter is raising the valve as much as the others are.. If not then it is the camshaft that is worn. I have seen push rods go away too.
Now that it is running tell us about the oil a bit more.. What is it that is in there..
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />