5600 Econominder knob difficult to turn even after rebuild

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Red Squirrel

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I have a Fleck 5600 Econominder that does not auto regenerate so I have to manually regenerate to keep my soft water. The knob is difficult to turn when it changes to the different settings but it's most difficult getting into refill. I rebuilt the valve with a new piston and seals and it is still difficult to turn. Before I throw in the towel and buy a new 5600SXT to replace it I figured I'd see if anybody can help troubleshoot what I currently have. Below is what I know.

Fleck 5600 Econominder valve
I replaced the main piston and seals and brine piston I used silicone grease that I bought from Home Depot to grease the seals. Did this twice in the last few years.
I notice a springiness in the knob when I'm turning to the different settings. By springiness I mean like the knob pushes back on my fingers like I'm fighting a spring. If I keep turning it will get past the springy and stay when I let go. It is definitely most difficult to getting it to tank refill like I have to turn hard to get it there. I'm assuming this is water pressure causing the piston to push back. Once I get it into the various stages the timer advances until the next stage.

If I put the valve in bypass the knob is very easy to cycle all the way through all the cycles which seems to confirm my theory of water pressure.
Pressure is set to 50 PSI verified by a gauge installed on the outlet.

Yes the timer is warm, almost uncomfortably warm if i hold my fingers on it.

Should I try another rebuild of the main piston and seals and the brine piston?
Should I replace the timer? Is the motor normally strong enough to force past this tough springiness?
Should I just give in and replace with a 5600SXT?

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
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