My 02 2.3 Ranger blew out the oil filter seal. An oil pressure gauge shows 100+ lbs. I suspect the relief valve in the oil pump. Any info on this problem? Thanks

 

It's time for a new oil pump your right on the the relief valve being stuck. Your pump is working to well you need one that does not work as good lol.

 

I'll find out soon enough. The motor is going back together at the moment. Unfortunately by the time the idiot gauge dropped to zero and the eng check light came on the motor had already stopped as the cam timing gears had slipped time. The cam bearings look perfect but the rod bearings are being replaced as there is a little sign of scuffing. And I was just saying how much I love this little motor.

 

I'm inclined to think there is a blockage in the oil passage after the filter.
It's possible you got a bad filter at some point that came apart and pieces of it went down stream.

 

Good thought. I might cut open the filter and take a look at it. It was a good NAPA filter.