Well I don't know if anyone cares, but we have fixed the problem! I know it has been quite awhile since the last post here. Please keep in mind the repair of this forklift is not my main function and is very low priority. My hunch that the system was bleeding of was correct. To test this we placed a ball valve on/in the return line from the control valve. When finished with the forklift simply shut off the valve and wonders of wonders no leak!! With the valve in the off position the lift will not start so no chance of running it dry which was a nice plus. And if it is not shut off after use it will only leak oil making a mess to clean up. Since this fix works and I can not see spending any more money on this lift. That is used for maybe an hour a month at most. I am done, if it was used more I would probably replace the valve. To recap what was done when in the shop (not ours) they replaced the starter supposedly 6 times checked the scavenger tube and so on for obstructions. When we got it back we opened it up and checked the venturi and jet pump everything looked good there. Replaced the starter one more time as that is what everyone says it is. still leaked so we opened up the starter and went through the seals saw some weak areas and reinforced them still leaked. Bought and installed new hyd pump got somewhat better but after about four days started leaking again. last installed ball valve in return line and now no leaks. So to be honest I am not sure if the pump and starter was necessary or if it took all of the above to fix it but we are back in business now! I hope this will help someone else down the road or maybe someone has a simple fix for this and I can remove the valve and put it back as designed because right now if you don't know about the valve your not starting it which might be just extra security.