Filter including temperature and pressure responsive bypass

The present invention pertains to fluid filters and, more particularly, an end cap relief valve mechanism for a fluid filter. A thermal sensitive material is disposed between a spring valve and an end cap of an oil filter (FIG. ). Upon reaching a predetermined pressure, e.g. when the media of the oil filter becomes clogged, an opening in the end cap opens to allow the oil to bypass the filter media. However, the thermal sensitive material precludes bypass flow through the end cap (e.g. during initial operation of the engine when a pressure surge may occur) until a predetermined oil temperature is attained.