a check valve is disclosed having a preset cracking pressure . the check valve comprises a valve element reciprocatably positioned within a valve body , both the valve body and the valve element including valve seats which seal together when the valve element is urged forwardly within the valve body . a plug is positioned within the rear of the valve body to constantly urge the valve element forwardly thereby defining a cracking pressure necessary to unseat the valve seats allowing the flow of fluid through the valve body .