Heat controlled filter by-pass

In a fluid flow system wherein fluid flows from a fluid cooler to a fluid utilization mechanism through a filtering element causing a pressure drop in said fluid flow system, said filtering element having an inlet and an outlet, and said filtering element being provided with a manifold having an inlet connected to said cooler and an outlet connected to said utilization mechanism, the improvement comprising a first passageway in said manifold connecting the inlet of said manifold to the inlet of said filtering element, a second passageway in said manifold connecting the outlet of said filtering element to the outlet of said manifold, a partition separating said first passageway from said second passageway, an aperture in said partition, a valve normally obturating said aperture, a solenoid for actuating said valve to a position opening said aperture, a heat sensitive element disposed in said first passageway proximate the inlet of said manifold, and a normally open switch operable by said heat sensitive element, whereby when said fluid at the inlet of said manifold reaches a predetermined high temperature, said heat sensitive element closes said switch for energizing said solenoid to operate said valve for opening said aperture and thereby placing said inlet and said outlet in direct flow communication by-passing said filtering element.