During my last oil change, I removed the filter and was greeted by a spring and pan type pin that shot out of the filter housing. It usually sits inside the filter cage and would act as a spring-actuated valve of some sort. I found the spring and the plastic piece with the cup. It has the very bottom pieces broken which would normally secure it in the cage, however with the filter on there it has nowhere to go and still open when pressed upon from the top.

Now my confusion. According to the flow diagrams, I found the flow of the filter works by filtering fluid from the inside to the outside, however, it appears this valve would only work to push from the outside in, furthermore, the flow diagrams show the valve and spring action working opposite of how it seems to function in reality.

Can anybody actually confirm the flow of oil and what the intended function of this valve is, is it needed (I suspect it's there for a reason, just can't visualize what function it would have if the flow is truly from the inside out). Lastly, I'm tempted to not replace the filter housing as the valve appears to still work fine with the retention piece broken of that little valve mechanism as the filter holds it and prevents it from going anywhere and the spring pushes on from the other side, although I would need to be careful with further oil filter replacement.

Any insight is appreciated.

Oil flow diagrams in the links.



https://photos.app.goo.gl/7dpwRpoUBSL21seN6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UynxzZuLxk7hBYNr5