This time around reassembling my EA82T I notice more of the little holes designed to drain oil back to the sump after oil seals and things. I noticed in only one block case half there is a track that looks like a drain hole from below or behind the oil pump to the sump. I also noticed that originally this hole was mostly, if not completely blocked with block sealant.

 

For those with leaking oil pump issues, I wonder if this track, bit like an ant tunnel , can contribute to external oil leaks at the oil pump ?

 

A photo would be good, but not this time

That would certainly hinder oil drain back to the pan, which is an issue in all Subaru engines.