232 engine heat control setting

ernie28

Just wondering what the correct setting is for the heat control spring. Want to be sure it is not too tight. With a hot motor it is closed at idle but does swing open as you increase the revs. Thought it may have been open at idle on a hot motor.
Also the safety plug has blown out a couple of times and I have just put back with a smear of exhaust sealant.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Alistair
NZHET 

iceblade10

I don't think it should be closed at idle, and moving at all w/ revs!  It should be based on the temp of the engine, not the RPM.  It should be closed when the engine is cold, so the exhaust gases heat up the intake manifold rather quickly, preventing the gas in the fuel/air mixture from condensing into droplets.  As the engine heats up, the thermostatic strip should gradually open up so the exhaust gases go out exhaust pipe instead of heating the intake manifold.

I would say to make sure it has correct tension, and closely inspect the bimetallic thermostatic strip to make sure it's not cracked/damaged.  I think you can still buy them, but they are probably listed under other makes.

iceblade10

Here's an example of a newly manufactured one.  I'm sure there are cheaper ones if you dig around on eBay or something.  https://www.summitracing.com/parts/omx-1762502?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-omix-ada&gclid=CjwKCAiApo3SBRA4EiwAty8i-pOuOrtbpLqqMWwV8E5ryZUI9GJuyWZhTKs8doOlH-E2GqIymmmJXBoC06oQAvD_BwE

ernie28

Thanks for your input guys.