In a thread jack, is there any reason to keep the recirc pump? I have both the sea water pump and the recirc pump on my 502, but I've noticed that most boats run a bypass and get rid of the recirc pump.

I've never heard of anyone eliminating/bypassing the recirc pump... Curious about this now!

496HO? Are you sure the water drainage system is fully closed? Sometimes those little green tabs get stuck.

Well, after all this I might just be an idiot...lol. I took the water pump apart last night and apparently I did not put in the front (toward pulley) wear plate. I haven't re-installed the pump yet but hopefully that will take care of it. I'll be installing it and firing it up later today.

If you took the water pump housing output hose off surely we have seen that NO water was being pump thru the housing or very little water was being pumped. That is always the first test to do to see if you get water flow. If no water flow or not enough volume then its time to start back tracking starting at your first point - The impeller and water pump housing.

Ok, it worked! Thanks for all the help everyone!