Abstract: A housing for an automotive oil filter element has a cylindrical wall closed at one end by an integral base; the base includes a standard-sized threaded orifice for mating the housing to an existing lubricating-oil connection on an engine. Another end of the housing is closed by a removable end cap held in place against the housing by a spring clamp which is pressed into engagement with locking lugs spaced around an outer perimeter of the housing. A gasket having two sealing surfaces forms a seal between end cap and housing. Pushing the shoulders of the spring clamp toward the cap causes the ends of the spring clamp to be moved outward by a ramped band, disengaging the clamp ends from the locking lugs and allowing the clamp ends to be pulled outward, releasing the end cap for removal.