What is a potential consequence of excessive differential pressure in an oil filter?

Excessive differential pressure in an oil filter can lead to the bypass of the filter. This occurs when the pressure before the filter becomes significantly higher than the pressure after the filter, which typically indicates that the filter is clogged or dirty. As a safety mechanism, many oil filtration systems are designed with a bypass valve. When the differential pressure exceeds a certain threshold due to a blocked filter, the bypass valve opens, allowing oil to flow directly to the engine without passing through the filter.

This scenario is critical because while it allows oil to continue circulating and prevents engine damage, it negates the filtration process, meaning that contaminants in the oil are not being removed effectively. Consequently, the engine could be subject to increased wear and tear from these unfiltered particles, significantly affecting its longevity and performance.