Fuel filter with internal pressure regulator

A fuel filter and pressure regulator assembly comprising:

• a unitary housing having a single wall having a closed first end and an open second end, formed about an axis and having a side wall and a first end wall at the first end and a separate component closing the open second end of the single wall and forming a second end wall;
• an annular filter element disposed within the housing in spaced relation to the side wall thereof to form a space therebetween, the annular filter element having a first end, a second end and a core, the second end being urged against the second end wall of the housing;
• a pressure regulating element disposed within the housing, the pressure regulating element having a first end juxtaposed at the first end wall of the housing and a second end engaging the first end of the annular filter element;
• a resilient device acting on the elements to axially position the elements within the housing;
• an inlet disposed at the first end wall of the housing in communication with the space between the side wall of the housing and the filter element;
• an outlet through the second end wall in communication with the core of the filter element, wherein fuel under pressure flows into the inlet, through the filter element, into the core of the filter element and out of the assembly through the outlet;
• and
• a fuel return projecting from the first end of the housing in communication with the core through the pressure regulating element for returning fuel to a fuel tank when pressure inside the housing exceeds a selected pressure.