Tearing it down is the only way to know for sure. I'm never 100% on anything I haven't seen with my own eyes, but based on everything you've said, it looks to me like your bypass is not opening fully. If what ever is obstructing it gets worse, damage will occur. My only debate was whether or not a plugged bypass could cause an oil filter to blow (I've seen several of them, and it's not pretty!). I think everyone would agree that when an engine with 170k miles has a sudden, unexplained jump in oil pressure, something is wrong. I think it's just difficult for some people to accept an idea that they aren't familliar with (I know I used to be like that). It just disturbs me when they get so high and mighty about it. Oh well.
Good luck!
Take care,
-Chris
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