boundary stage 1 pump, non oem front main seal but this thing is pissing out oil when cranking (engine has never started). any ideas?

 

Pull the balancer.

 

Most likely the seal is loose. Use a OEM seal and a smear of RTV on the outside.

 

Also check the plug that closes the FWD dipstick hole. When I received mine, that plug was very loose, the screw that holds it in place might have vibrated loose and fallen into the pan allowing the plug to pop out. I also found one screw on the backplate didn't get enough thread lock fluid. Instead of offering to replace it on their dime, they got defensive asking for the number on the pump, saying they would email the assembly video. They wouldn't take responsibility for their poor quality control so I had to buy a 1/4" torque wrench (already had the Torx bits) and a tube of thread lock to fix it myself. They provided the torque specs.

Another Miata focused business (will remain anonymous) warned me when I purchased a salvage car's engine from them...check any BE pump.The machine shop he paid to assemble his forged rod/piston engine opened it up, probably to make sure it was packed with grease for quicker priming. They said they found machining swarf inside. In hindsight, I wish I had purchased a pump from 949 Racing, or just the gears to install in the OEM pump.

BTW, I used an OEM seal, replaced whatever it came with and didn't have any leaks. I will never recommend BE or purchase another pump. F'n Ridiculous telling a customer that just spent $400+ to fix their quality control issues.

 

I see some coming out the passenger side...

missing o-ring...

Change the front main seal first as thats "easy" to get to...

if still leaking, motor is coming out to pull the pan and pump and inspect that the o-ring on the oil pump outlet is there.

 

yup, oil seems to be pouring from that exact hole (fwd dipstick hole). for the BE pumps, does the OEM bind plug fit because there is just nothing in the hole on the pump lol. the front main was slightly leaking as well, not sure if thats my fault or a bad seal but I replaced it with an OEM one while I was inspecting.

 

Boundary sent me a new plug (thanks to the FAB9 guys), any tips on installation? really hoping the motor doesn't need to be pulled for this

 

I had this same issue when I did my rebuild, was difficult to figure out where it was coming from because oil was splashing into the belt flinging it everywhere. Didn't realize aftermarket replacements came with the open hole for the fwd lol. I ended up using the OEM plug and putting a little bit of rtv around it. Then I placed it carefully in place and used a tall extension and hammer to tap it into place. Didn't require a lot of force. Haven't had a leak since.