Fluid filter element

A component of a filter element that engages a head and projects through one or more openings of a locking member of a flow control valve, comprising:

• a center tube having a substantially cylindrical side portion, wherein the substantially cylindrical side portion defines an inner axial fluid flow passage, and a plurality of radial fluid passages in fluid communication with the inner axial fluid flow passage, and wherein the center tube includes an end wall formed integrally with said substantially cylindrical side portion, and further wherein said end wall defines an axial bypass opening;
• a circumferential flange extending axially from said end wall within said inner axial fluid flow passage;
• means for engaging said head and projecting axially through said one or more openings of said locking member of said flow control valve, wherein the means includes at least one pin extending axially away from said end wall and into said inner axial fluid flow passage;
• and
• a plurality of flexible fingers axially extending from said end wall.

A filter element that engages a head and projects through one or more openings of a locking member of a flow control valve, comprising:

• a tubular filter media having an axial passage, wherein the tubular filter media includes a first axial end and a second axial end;
• a first end cap disposed adjacent the first axial end of the filter media;
• an end cap assembly including a second end cap disposed adjacent the second axial end of said filter media, and a center tube disposed within said axial passage of the filter media, wherein the center tube is integrally connected with the second end cap, wherein the center tube includes an axial end wall, wherein the axial end wall defines an axial bypass opening, wherein the axial end wall includes means for axially engaging said head and axially projecting through said one or more openings of said locking member of said flow control valve;
• and
• a grommet having an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, wherein the outer radial surface of the grommet is arranged adjacent an inner radial surface of the center tube.