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[/align][/align]That's what I was thinking, a horribly sludged up Fram--but there aren't many pleats and for some reason it looks small to me (maybe 'cause there aren't many pleats)...[/align][/align]I've dissected Fram filters in the past (here's a link to my Miata website with pics), I wouldn't use one on my lawnmower.[/align][/align]If that's what it is it looks like it collapsed from being clogged (it also looks like it's got 100k miles on it), the oil flows from the outside into and through the core. If the bypass valve were also sludged up the pressure could easily collapse the core and crappy cardboard endcaps Fram uses.[/align]