Ballast pump quit working....

I have a 2001 Supra Launch DD. The Rule 2000 pump for the ballast just quit working. The pump come on and I can feel air when the fill hose is disconnected. I can rotate the pump clockwise and counter-clockwise. Could it be an air pocket. Just not pumping the water. I can see what looks like a small leak under the base of the pump. Do I just need to tighten it to the hull to seal it better? Seems like it is a PIA to change these pumps out. The pump comes on, just doesn't pump water. Any help? I'm new to wake boats and bought this one as a fix-up although everything worked when I bought it. Just needed some TLC. The pump worked one day and not the next.

Did you try driving the boat forward while the pump was on? Most pumps will prime that way.

Haven't tried that, don't think. Not sure. I'll give it a shot Sat. Thanks.