Keith, you may have a point here...I am using megasteam cinnamon roll fluid.....maybe the viscosity is thinner than what you are using. As far as the tube is concerned, mine appeared as if the tube was shaved down at its end so it cold be squeezed into the pump...I feel it is because it was squeezed down or shaved it weakened the tube so it eventually broke off at the pump after continued use.....I tried at first to reinsert the tube into my pump, but it was too big for the pump intake.
BTW, have you tried to remove the wall across from the pump inputs....makes it easy to work on the pump.....mine was held by minimal glue and popped off easily...just be careful of the attached wire to the wall and the three tits on the bottom of the wall that hold the wall to the base.
