Thanks for the Pics Bryan,
Yes my setup is identical in every way, that tells me our setup is unchanged from the way they left the factory.
I could not believe it either that it was engineered that way that’s why I think it is a mistake by an installer.
Maybe I’m wrong but it looks very simple, that center bottom fitting looks to be the only way fluid could get into or out of the center core of the filters.
I removed every drop of fluid out of the reservoir so I could really inspect what was going on with it.
I did wonder why they had 2 different filters that are filtering the same oil.
Glad to here you have so many trouble free miles on your Contessa, I have 88K on mine.
I have read the whole power steering/hydraulic fan system is hard to find parts for and expensive to repair so taking care of it is wise.
Maybe someone else will have some insight.
Thanks again