Hi Glacierbear <br /> I don't know of any alterate item to replace these things. Anything that is cost afective anyway. They are a pain. They are not repairable. They can be replaced at costly sum. While you have yours apart, check to see that the operating cable and lever are functioning properly. Try disconnecting the cable from the cylinder. Clamp one ennd of the cylinder in a vice. Pull\push on the valve rod with pliers. See if you can get the piston to move. I have been fighting with mine for years. Fortuneately I have a jet pump on mine and do not need to tilt it often. Some how I feel, if I could get more travel (more pull than the lever will allow) of the cable, it would free the piston. I do not belive I could restore any type of assist. Let me know what you find.