Abstract: A lube oil filter housing including a tubular outer shell, a pair of covers, an inlet, an outlet, a clean fluid chamber and a filter element support is provided. The tubular outer shell and pair of covers define an internal cavity. A clean fluid chamber is interposed fluidly between an inlet and an outlet within the internal cavity. The clean fluid chamber includes at least one connection site for sealingly connecting with a filter element. The clean fluid chamber has at least one removable cover to provide access to a clean fluid portion defined by the clean fluid chamber. A removable filter element support is configured to support an end of the filter element opposite the end of the filter element that cooperates with the connection site. The outlet may include a removable connection tube removable from the tubular outer shell to provide access to the clean fluid portion.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter element retained within the central core of the element with a C-shaped retaining ring. The retaining ring is located in an internal annular groove in one end cap. The other end of the support core is supported against the opposite end cap, or an additional retaining ring can be provided. When the element is spent, the element is removed from the housing, the retaining ring and central support core are removed, and the element is disposed of in an appropriate manner (preferably by crushing and incineration). The support core is then inserted into a replacement/fresh element and held in place by the ring.