You guys know your stuff!!
When I bought the new pump, it came with EXPLICIT instructions to make sure the drive socket is properly seated into the main cap. As you said: "Classic example" - Obviously this has happened enough to put a LARGE caution in the package inserts!!
It was easy (for me anyways ) to miss - as I recall checking the mating surfaces and seeing they where together. Although I'm not a total novice, I will sure learn from that mistake !!! Luckily it was only $80.00 ....and 8 hours re&re time. Oh well, practice makes perfect.
Thanks guys.