Re: Rusted open/closed heat riser valve

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2010/2/11 15:00:48

It would be best to wire it open if it is not functioning.

But you should replace the spring and get it working.

Years ago I did this on a slant 6 Dodge.It had a heat riser valve, a tin stove on the exhaust manifold with a vacuum flap on the air filter, and an automatic choke.

It started and ran like an old car. Kind of balky but not too bad. So I did a tuneup which helped a bit.

Then I fixed the heat stove replaced the thermostat in the air filter, and replaced the automatic choke.

What a difference! I was amazed. The motor started and ran like it had fuel injection and warmed up in half the time.

Since then my policy would be to put the choke and heat riser back the way the factory had it and tuned to factory specs. It does make a difference to the way the car starts and runs.