Dave,
It looks to me like it is part of the block itself. I suppose it could be a conductor of sorts. I know it has to have something to screw onto, right?

I don't know if the filter gasket is just petering out because of the engine heat or what. When I change the oil and filter (oil at 10K, filter every 5K miles) the gasket looks like it has been worked to death.

Another note:
When I install the filter, I only turn it hand tight plus about 1/4 to 1/2 turn. I also don't use a filter wrench, but basically it is as tight as I can turn it by hand.

So, am I over tightening it on install, or may bot tightening it enough?

Sometimes when I take it off to change it, I can get get it off with just my hands and a rage wrapped around it. Sometimes I have to drive a screwdriver through it and turn it to get it off. Either way, it still leaks.

Also, it is not a pouring type of leak, it just drips. That is the worst kind.