I haven't had any problems with Surplus center. I buy A LOT of hydraulic stuff from them But I have never relied on their tech dept. either. Kevin, I don't know what you got for a valve but it doesn't sound like you got a motor spooling valve. Sounds like a bang bang valve as we so lovingly called them in the navy. flow or no flow. can be throttled but its difficult.

I know a lot about a lot of things BUT I still have a lot to learn.
Life is what you make of it. So, why not make a working machine to make it easier.