78 2F heat Riser stuck open or closed

[Gdubyacobb]

I have been searching through the forums about "stuck heat risers", I know mine is stuck but I don't know if it is open or closed.
Here is the best photo of the counter weight that I could manage:

Also, I am assuming that I am hoping that it is stuck open, is this correct?
I am happy to replace the manifold (there is at least the one crack) but am hoping to drive it two hundred miles home to my garage first.

 

[Pighead]

Well, assuming you still have an intact flap inside there, I would rather have it stuck in the closed position. Those intake manifolds have a habit of developing cracks where the hot exhaust hits them...

 

[Gdubyacobb]

Open vs Closed seems to be where a confusion of terms comes into play for me. I would have thought that "open" means that the exhaust is free flowing and "closed" would mean it was being redirected.

Let me ask this way; can anyone tell by the position of the counter weight if the riser being stuck in this position is good or bad?

(I realize that the fact that it is stuck at all is in some way bad)

 

[Glacierskier]

I was in the same situation. I had to remove the manifolds to confirm. Mine was rusted and seized. When off I closed it to ensure gases would only exhaust. Since I only drive the warm months warm-up has not been an issue.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Have you tried tapping on it to see if it pops loose? I would guess that weight down is the closed or cold position and heat plus pressure opened it. I can't go look at mine just now.

 

[Gdubyacobb]

I soaked it down with PB Blaster. I won't a real chance to mess with it until tomorrow, so my plan is to soak and tap every chance I get to day.

So far I have been really luck with this sight unseen purchase and I'm hoping that continues. (At least until I get it home)

 

[Gdubyacobb]

I got it moving. Not free swinging but moving through it whole range. I'll just keep on it.

 

[fhawk5]

I had a similar issue. The parts used for this creative device cannot handle the ingredients of the modern exhaust gasses. They all will oxidize, which causes size growth, and then they cannot freely move. The original concept was great but in reality they all fail. On mine I removed the parts, tapped out the holes, and plugged them. I would rather have a longer heat up time than chance the inevitable issue of screwing up where the exhaust gasses go.

 

[Gdubyacobb]

I think that's sensible and may go the same route. I am think a complete de-smog, no emissions where I live on the border. (but I will keep all the parts bagged and tagged)

Right now I just want to get him home to the garage. Currently I am more or less camping in the desert east of Phoenix without a garage and dread really breaking anything open to the blowing dust and sand.

 

[Gdubyacobb]

No desmog in the future. After talking to folks I realize that the cruiser is almost all stock. Thats amazing after 36 years. So it will stay that way. No plans for a major restore but I also have no rock crawling dreams. Its just going to be a an out in the boonies everyday driver.

The heat riser is now loose and swings back easily with the pressure of the spring.

Graphite spray after the BP Plaster and lots of wiggling after the initial break free.

 

[Fast Eddy]

The parts used for this creative device cannot handle the ingredients of the modern exhaust gasses. They all will oxidize, which causes size growth, and then they cannot freely move. The original concept was great but in reality they all fail.

Pshaw.

It's an item that needs regular service. Of course they will rust up if they're ignored for 10 or 20 years.

I've got a '78 CA model with a Thermal Reactor (TR) that works perfectly and passes CA smog without any trouble.

 

[Cleg]

Not sure about this on a 2F but on an F engine the position with top flat face of counter weight horizontal = butterfly valve full closed.
The assembly looks remarkably intact.
If it has to be stuck in one position, closed is probably preferred.

 

[winnie]

No desmog in the future. After talking to folks I realize that the cruiser is almost all stock. Thats amazing after 36 years. So it will stay that way. No plans for a major restore but I also have no rock crawling dreams. Its just going to be a an out in the boonies everyday driver.

The heat riser is now loose and swings back easily with the pressure of the spring.

Graphite spray after the BP Plaster and lots of wiggling after the initial break free.

pb blaster, the wonder tool to the rescue again, ha, ha ... your 40 is a survivor and deserves to remain original in my view ... same plan for my 78, exempt it is already de-smogged ...