I have used new Mellings in the past four or five motors. No problems I know of. Spun one bearing and broke a rod but can't trace it back to the pump. Probably too long on the throttle.
I think I have an old one that is still good to check the spring tension. Is tomorrow soon enough?
I forgot to ask, on the rockers is the shaft set with the grove on the end towards the center of the motor? Just checking