It won't because I just ordered a bunch of OEM front mains and will be replacing every seal in every BE pump I use from now on :hatecat:

Every pump for the last 2 years is probably that design. If they are bad seals, I'll be getting a lot of phone calls. It could be a spot failure, or an issue caused by install. I would also look after your block, if you've align bored the block it moves the crank seal out of concentricity compared to crankshaft (pump remains pinned, but crank center moves).

The only issue I know of with leaking is the high pressure NPT plug on at least 2 units were loose. Which is an unexpected since we don't touch it. We're adding a quality step in to torque each one, so if you do have one my pumps I would highly recommend giving that a snug up.

No we weren't aiming at saving 10 dollars on any seals, if its not a problem we don't spend your money on it. If it becomes a problem we will look at upgrading, but I'm guessing this is isolated. Will keep ears to the ground though.

Thanks for the reply. This one was able to be installed with pinky fingertips at about 20% effort, ie it just about fell out when I looked at it.

Dann

Well, I did 6 units yesterday and we use a gasket form tool and a hammer driving it to pop them in. Usually takes a line up shot to get it started and at least 2 solid blows. I'd give you some serious cred if you could do that to any of the units here.

I'm not sure about this, maybe there were some that were defective? Its not going to be long until we literally have quality every single component on the Miata pump. I guess through volume we're running into oddball stuff at this point. It could also be the pressure we're putting on our casting and components manufacturer. Probably not normal to sell that amount of Miata pumps ever. I will check with them, if you have a sample one and could send it to me I can check it here to see what I can find.

Travis, you are at the mercy of your vendors at times. Some problem they have is passed on to you as we discovered recently with that other issue. Keep up the good work at work at your quality process. Thanks for you quality support and response.

now i'm wondering if that is where my leak is coming from on my recently built motor.

Replaced my front main yesterday. My thoughts echo Dan's. Seal that came in the Boundary pump was hard rubber, very little elasticity. OEM seal was softer rubber, much stretchier. Very different quality.

New FMS seems to have solved my oil leak. 60 miles leak free so far.

Attachment 230191
Attachment 230192

I don't know if Travis's supplier switched on him or something. But as of now I would only run an OEM front seal.

Hmm. I also have a boundry pump and a FSM leak. I'll have to dig into that.

Seems like this is part of a pretty widespread issue.
Y'all should compile a list and reach out to Travis. He's very responsive to feedback and takes customer service seriously, and I'm sure he'd investigate the issue.

I texted Travis when this thread came about, and he posted above. Hopefully he can take a look at it, but as of now I would not use a non-oem seal in a location like that.

I agree with you guys, mine was hard as a rock aswell - Just based off my rebuild / last post in this thread with the oil leakage I'd say this was definitely the cause - but my engine is still on stands so I won't know till its up and going again

With more and more reports, it sounds like i will be pulling it back apart and putting in my spare Fel-Pro.

I have had Fel-Pro gaskets leak on my miata. I only use OEM seals now.

Front main is too shitty if a job to install anything but OEM. Imo

+1, OEM gaskets are not expensive.

i have had great success from Fel-Pro gaskets. If i wasnt in a time crunch i would go ahead with the OEM gasket but for now, i will go with the Fel-Pro.

Can't go to the dealer and get an OEM FMS?

In Australia, even with Mazda being a (the?) leading new car brand, FMS for B series is not in stock.

Dann

I believe that the non-vvt cam seal is the same seal, with a different part number. Might be worth checking out.

Crank: B3C7-10-602A
Cam: FS05-10-602A

FM says it's the same seal for all "big nose" cranks including 01-05.