engine problem

[mr_hops48]

i have a 1996 lumina w/ 3100 v-6.parked the car about a week ago and when i went out the next morning it started fine. after i backed out i noticed a pool of oil on the ground. parked the car and found that the oil filter seemed loose. went and bought a new filter and oil and installed the filter properly (this is not a "double gasket" issue) added the oil and started the car. within 30 seconds i had 4 quarts of oil on the ground and the filter was loose again. the relief valve at the oil filter is ok.the threads are not stripped on the filter or filter housing (block) . put another new filter on, added 2 quarts oil, had wife start it and watched.
within 5-6 seconds pressure at the filter was so high it "popped" and oil again shot out from the seal. 1 mechanic friend said oil pump pressure regulator probably bad and not regulating. my main question for some great mechanic out there. does this sound like just a oil pump problem.
i have the ability to change the pump myself, but am worried that oil not getting to upper engine (rocker arms etc.) may mean some other issue up there. any way to check for some sort of blockage after the oil filter?



in this economy i really need to try and salvage this vehicle if possible.

Jim

[Fireplug]

never seen that before. But I would start with the oil pump. Pull the pan and see if its full of gunk and go from there