No need to put any grease on the hose. The pumps don't need priming as they don't work like more complicated ones, they will work fine from emptyIn fact, it doesn't have any in there at all. Pretty pathetic @ the manufacturing end.
I'll do as you suggest - and report back once I have a moment to get it swapped and tested.
Q1: Should I smear some grease on the internal plastic hose as well, to relieve the friction of the rollers contact with it?
Q2: There is nothing in the maintenance manual to suggest priming the pumps, though would it be beneficial to do so?