Found the problem. There is a 6" plastic hose (like the water supply hose 1/4") that runs from the drain line to an electronic solenoid, that controls when the pump should turn on. Hose gets "gunked" up and I clean it out when I am cleaning the machine. It must have stretched a little and allowing air to bypass the switch.

Replaced it with a new 6" piece of pipe and it works great. So ill leave drain pump installed until I have another problem.