it does have the wire mesh that is incased in a round metal cage that sits in the oil. the mesh is whats falling apart. when I take it out, I can sometimes pull strands of mesh out of the filter. also while speaking of that, is it normal for the filters to loose the oil? I have to add to mine on a regualr basis.

1950 Chevrolet 3600 runs but needs a lot of tlc its an old farm truck
1966 Chevrolet C-10 3 on the tree, 250c.i. six runs and drives. Needs restore(possibly in the next two years)