Abstract: An oil filter for use on internal combustion engines, the filter having a body portion with an interior recess opening therein and with a threaded opening at the recessed end to receive the attachment of a filter cartridge, the body having an oil inlet, an oil outlet and a vent opening, a needle member extending from the body portion centrally of the end adapted to receive the attachment of a filter cartridge, the needle portion being connected with the oil inlet, the filter cartridge having packing material therein, the cartridge being threadably secured to the body so that the needle extends through the packing and, when the filter cartridge is in place, the end of needle is adjacent the cartridge interior bottom, oil passing into the filter flowing through the needle and being discharged within the cartridge and flowing through the packing material and into the body opening and out through the oil outlet, the space between the filter cartridge and the body interior being separated by a plate having steps o