Unfortunately this is a well known issue, especially if you use gas that has ethanol in it...but VP is still much better than a Merc IMO!
If you can't wrap your head around this, do some reading up on the Volvo Penta XDP Outdrive disaster.
Check out
https://mancavemechanic.com/ as he refurbs the pumps and gets them back to you without the interior paint. You could also sandblast your own and replace both pumps (aftermarket are available on eBay and Amazon).
I have the original pumps in my '07 358...still going strong (no paint chips as of two weeks ago on one motor). Just hit 700 hours...