Most, if not all, National Brand oil filters incorporate an internal oil pressure relief valve (also called a by-pass valve), which allows the oil to by-pass the filter element when the internal oil pressure becomes excessive due to a clogged filter element, or when the oil is too thick (during cold weather start up) to be filtered. The primary function of the by-pass valve is to protect the engine from oil starvation when such conditions exist. However..... when the by-pass valve opens, unfiltered oil is circulated through the engine, which can damage internal engine components, such as the crankshaft, camshaft, lifters, bearings, piston rings, and so on. The damage, and the rate at which it occurs, depends on the amount of contaminants in the oil, as well as the size of the contaminants. In most applications, such as a daily driver, the contaminants are kept at a minimum by changing the oil and oil filter on a regular basis. However there are those who, for one reason or another, don't change the oil and filter as frequently as they should. As a result, the filter gradually gets plugged up with small particles of dirt, metal, and sludge, and oil flow is reduced. Without the by-pass valve oil flow is gradually reduced, eventually resulting in oil starvation, which quickly leads to a catastrophic failure. With the by-pass valve the oil is short circuited and continues to circulate, and even though the oil is contaminated, the motor is saved. Basically, it's the lesser of two evils. Obviously it's better to pump contaminated oil through the engine, rather than no oil at all, which is why most filters have a by-pass valve.

Now lets talk about Off-Road and Racing applications, where component failures are common place. In most cases the engines are running at peak RPM when a failure occurs, and as a result, everything happens at a quicker pace. While the larger pieces usually end up in the oil pan, all the smaller particles that are suspended in oil, get sucked up by the oil pump. Sorry, we're still workng on this article, as time permts....... but we're getting there.

• The Jomar Competition Oil Filter is a 100% NO-BYPASS oil filter, which helps protect your engine from excessive debris resulting from component failure!
  
  
• The Jomar Competition Oil Filter provides maximum oil filtration, with very low flow restrictions, allowing more oil to flow to your engine components.
  
  
• The Jomar Competition Oil Filter has a heavy duty housing for a higher burst strength (600 psi, with 5 full mounting threads and an internal volume of 55.6 cu. in.
  
  
• The Jomar Competition Oil Filter contains 450 sq. in. of 20 micron filter element, and weighs a hefty 1.4 1bs.
  
  
• The Jomar Competition Oil Filter has an anti-drain back flapper and an internal standpipe, which helps to equalize oil flow through the filter element.
  
  
• The Jomar Competition Oil Filters are highly recommended for all types of competition racing and/or off-road applications.
  
  
• The Jomar Competition Oil Filter fits most Ford and Mopar Engines (L6 and V8).

The choice is simple, filter SOME of the engine oil, or filter ALL of the oil with a JOMAR Competition oil filter. Highly recommended for Off-Road & Competition Racing applications.