[59ctd]

I am curious what the external oil pump connectors are designed for. 2009 OB EJ253 here. There looks to be two connections on the bottom and then one pointing out/upwards from the front of the oil pump towards the water pump.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

Perhaps installation of the relief valve components. And machining passages?

 

[relative4]

The angled shaft is the relief valve. The vertical shafts are the in & out passages; the bolts at their bottoms are drain plugs.