Gary;
Sorry to hear this! Laura told me you were done for the season but not that you had "difficulties".
Unfortunately, I know this exact scenario.
I now have "valve" written on the SS float box cover so that when I pull the covers, I am reminded to open the valve.
I got lucky though with no leaks but the warps caused minor scorching issues so I bought a new one this summer.
I hope to be boiling by the 17th.
2 x 6 A&A raised flue w/ preheater, OFA & UFA
600 gal Zero tank
125 taps on vacuum w/homemade releaser, 70 on gravity, 75 on buckets + a partner with 100 more buckets
7" short stack Wesfab press
Homemade water jacketed canner
Polaris Ranger sap hauler
Two English Setters to keep watch on things