Hayward vari-flo multiport valve malfunctioning

New here, first time post.

I have a Hayward Vari-Flo valve. We have been having trouble with the gasket getting pulled and stretched and have had to replace it the past two years. We recently replaced the gasket as well as the spring which was advised from somewhere else. The handle has a lot of play in it and is already "looks" as if it is depressed when it is not so when we press it to rotate there is not much room to depress it and is causing the gasket to bind still. What could be the problem. Could it be as simple as the gasket needs to be replaced just below the handle? Thanks

The handle / lid is a single assembly. If the handle is remaining depressed, even when you're not touching it, something is wrong with that assembly. I'd recommend taking the valve apart and inspecting it, but my guess is you need a new assembly.

One tip: the assembly is spring loaded. Loosen all the bolt partially, before you remove any of them completely. Otherwise you will likely crack the lid.