I would put a 100micron filter before the pump. I use an Aeromotive that I can take apart and look inside. Has been 100% clean of debris everytime i take it apart.

Are you getting your fuel on land??? All land fuel in MO is E10 unless it specifically says ethanol free.
All fuel on the water at LOTO is ethanol free, as far as I know, and Kelly's Port give 10 cents off/gallon for having and account another 10cents off for cash making it very close to land price E10 fuel.

Good to know the fuel on the lake is ethanol free! I usually fill up on land. Idid start using ethanol free after the pump failed a few months ago. Problems seems to be more than ethanol fuel, though. I have several friends with the 496 that have ran nothing but ethanol blend with no problems.

We don’t have ethanol free around here. I service several 496’s and haven’t replaced many fuel pumps.

Here's what I’m getting too, If they never checked for debris on the pump inlet screen, they haven’t diagnosed anything. A restriction before the pump (inc inlet screen of course) is a pump killer. No two ways around it.

On the pump itself, the inlet screen has been completely clear of debris.

Attaching the last three work orders for the pump. They are in order, 2018, 2019, 2020

Which may also be why Merc wanted me to eliminate that filter between the tank and pump. Though not sure how much restriction that type of filter has (assuming it is not plugged up). Electric fuel pumps like to push not pull fuel so any restriction regardless of the source will add to shortening their life.

OP just to clarify and make sure you have traced the fuel line from the tank pickup to the booster pump inlet and there is no inline filter present? Mine was hidden tucked up under a bulkhead between the tank and engine compartment and was not visible unless I laid on the cockpit floor and stuck my head down in engine compartment and looked backwards. If that filter is still there and is dirty that will not be helping out with your pump life.