Hyd

Got a 1976 White 2-105. Went to use it this spring after sitting all winter and the Hyd resivoir was empty. Remembering we had a cylinder hose leaking, we filled with Hyd oil and did not get back to it for a couple of days. Started her up and all worked as should. Drove it home, about a mile, and the Hyd pump and surrounding area was hotter than usual and the Hyd pump was making a loud, unusual chattering noise after driving it home. We let it sit for 3-4 hours, started it back up, noise not as loud, but still notisable. After running for 25 minutes, same noise cand pump hot. Checked the pressure on the remote outlet, 1100 psi. I guess I know enough about Hyd to make me dangerous or stupid. I cut the lock wire on the compensator valve and the straight slot screw would not budge. Removed the 4 allen head screws and was successful in getting the screw to turn w/o using heat. Ordered and received gasket and o-rings. While cleaning gasket surfaces, the piston rod retainer caught the shop rag and disaster struck. Pulled the rod out too far and now can't get it to go back in. Acts like it is hitting something that is not lined up. Anyone got any ideas how to get it back in short of pulling the pump?