ok, finally got around to addressing this. I loaned out my oil pressure gauge and when I finally got it back I didn't have the correct adapter. So....I just went ahead and bought another new oil filter. Problem is now corrected. I guess I just got one with a bad valve. thanks for all the replies.
I'll still check my oil pressure. haven't done that since the engine was built.
I'll still check my oil pressure. haven't done that since the engine was built.