oil filter bypass gauge running high.

[sleeps]

i have an oil filter bypass deal with a built in pressure gauge, it was normally running at 40psi for the longest time. then it was running around 60psi when i started looking for a replacement filter local. it hit around 80psi and i decided it was be pretty clogged so i over-nighted one here and changed it. now with a fresh filter the gauge read 95psi. is something wrong? or do you think the gauge is just bad? its liquid filled.

[lenzhotrod]

Is this a guage on the bypass filter? If so you may want to check the return line "orifice" to see if it is plugged. If the orifice gets plugged the pressure will go up. Another way to check is to feel the filter for heat. No heat means a plugged hole. Most orifices in bypass systems are only about .035"-.070" in diameter.

[sleeps]

Originally Posted by lenzhotrod

Is this a guage on the bypass filter? If so you may want to check the return line "orifice" to see if it is plugged. If the orifice gets plugged the pressure will go up. Another way to check is to feel the filter for heat. No heat means a plugged hole. Most orifices in bypass systems are only about .035"-.070" in diameter.

yes, the gauge is mounted on the piece that the filter screws on to. the filter gets hot enough that i dont want to touch it.

[lenzhotrod]

Sounds like you have flow. Maybe your flow is partially plugged? You might want to verify the guage also. Where does your return line go to? Can you "see" return oil? None of it makes sense. Also, for future use, if your bypass filter was to become completely blocked no adverse effects would be noticed. Assuming it is a properly built bypass system.