A fluid filter for assembly includes an upright housing having a base portion and a cover to allow viewing of a fluid level. The base portion has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A filter element has a filter media for filtering the fluid, a bottom end cap connected to the fluid outlet, and a top end cap positioned above the bottom end cap. A mounting member is formed on the top end cap, and a vent passage extends through the mounting member for fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the filter element. An interface structure is connected to cover the upright housing and is removably engageable with the mounting member of the filter element.