Filter By-Pass

[needtoknow]

I've read about the different mechanisms that mfg's use for the by-pass valve. What I would like some help on is the difference between the location. Some filters have it on top, others on the bottom. Either way it seems that the oil will by-pass the filter element, so does it make any difference where it is located?

 

[TallPaul]

Having the bypass valve at the threaded end of the filter may be better. With the bypas at the bottom of the can, all the oil bypassing the filter passes over the filter element, potentially picking up crud from the element surface on its way to the bypass valve.

I just got a Fleetguard LF697 filter, which their site says has a bypass valve, but looking into it I can't see any valve. Maybe it is a different design, but it bugs me not finding it.