Good luck and be sure to let us know the outcome.

Outdrive is back on, but changing pump again as it just destroyed a brand new one.
Should be done in a few and see what happens.

Well, same ****.
I am going to take it apart again and see.
Taking a cool off break first.
Dozens of boats and never seen this one before.

Did not do anything but fill it from the thermos housing into the cooler and the engine.
Works great now.
Air lock I guess.

the problem is the muffs don't seal enough to push the water that high. it just leaks out the side of the muffs. the pump will suck it up that high as long as it is any good at all. I just had the same issue. I think it is best to jam hose into hole on transom assy where drive water goes in. run engine and get it primed, then install the drive.

Install a freshwater flush. Easiest thing to do and eliminate muffs.