Just an update boy and girls. Bought an IC pump from Rob @ Needswings...all is now running as it should. Thanks for all the input. A big thank you to Rob as well, sometimes it's not easy to deal with someone halfway around the world, but the communication was great and always felt in the loop.

 

+2. I've been replacing pulleys after hearing similar sounds. Not too hard to do, and the parts aren't going to bleed you dry! Just a little time under the hood, I've rather enjoyed it.

Edit: Just saw your post, glad its fixed.