sure, fix the leak. Due to it being on the pressure side I would imagine it would have to leak ALOT in order for starvation to be an issue. With pumps of any kind suction leaks are a much bigger deal.

I do not have the exceptional knowledge and experience of mr clayton, but I was thinking along the same lines as him. I would at the very least double and triple check the valve lash.
I always focus on the simple and free things to test out before delving any further.

best of luck,
Drew