Well the gate valve mod worked, well sort of. I found out there is a reason they have directions with the products we buy, and in the future I will follow them more close. I tried to install the gate valve, and it will not work with my sump, I dont have enough room. Well I tried to install it my way, and raised the skimmer up acouple of inches. Well It still wouldnt work,BUT when I put my skimmer back together, and decided I just wasted $50 I noticed something. My skimmer was WORKING! I couldnt believe it. I measured the new height, and wouldnt you know. Just like the original directions said, place the skimmer in 6-8in of water, not 10 like I had it. Well I guess all is well that ends well. If someone wants to buy a slightly used gate valve for a ER skimmer I can hook you up with one. Im not going to need it.
Derek