Was this the gasket at the outside hose connection where the hose plug screws into the connection? If so then was it sucking enough air that it wasn't getting 100% water pickup from the outdrive water pickup to the engine? Just curious for future reference. Happy to know you found the problem.

Yeah - that is the gasket........the gasket had collapsed enough to suck air, not water. What is more annoying is I replaced both housings last summer, brand new from Sonic.

So, for future reference - if you have any issues, check the fresh water flush system first. It is the easiest, let alone cheapest. 496 sea pumps new are over $300, or you can get a rebuild kit for $150.

Yep, but those lessons learned are priceless for when you actually have to pull and replace the sea water pump...

glad you got it figured out.

After two new impellers and two new thermostats, my boat tested out perfect today! I'm glad I taught myself how to do this work. It wasn't fun, but not too bad either. My problem was a bad thermostat.

Lesson learned for sure.....took it out last night, and today, issue resolved. Actually the pumps weren't as bad as i thought they would be.......thanks to all for you input, etc.

The biggest trouble I have when removing the pumps is removing and reinstalling the Starboard side fuel pump assembly. That sucker is a b1tch to re-install onto the (2) block bolts.

I used a couple of jam nuts and removed the studs. That made it a lot easier.

I was going to remove the studs - but first tried WD-40 on the hoses and they slid right on......i did remove the sending unit, that allowed more room.