Shaft Seal Leak Comes and Goes

[Steveromo]

UPDATE: So I tried new o-rings but it still leaks from the bottom. Upon closer inspection I am certain that the leak is coming from the area of the motor flange. This means that water is definitely coming through the shaft. It is happening with both the NEW and the OLD seal sets. I have a total of 3 seal sets. My original (2010) has a visible chip on the ceramic ring. The second (2014) and brand new look identical and I can see NO flaws, yet they both leak badly. The rubber that surrounds the seals fits the impellar rod snugly, and all the housing looks OK. I am baffled!

[Steveromo]

UPDATE #2... With leak getting worse despite new shaft seal AND o-rings, I decided to get a new pump. All good now. So now I am in autopsy-mode, trying to figure out what went wrong. If I can clean it up, I will at least have a backup pump. No visible flaws in shaft seal, impellar, housing, etc. yet water drips continuously from bottom (whether running or off.) Still interested in any suggestions. Curious if any of the following can damage a pump. 1. Often losing suction / pressure while vacuuming. 2. Using pump to run water thru garden hose for lowering water levels. 3. Holding water noodle over eyelet to squirt people. 4. Running pump (accidentally) with low water flow from skimmer. Thanks for the replies!