[55Wagon]

Hello all, I recently removed my exhaust manifolds so they could get sand blasted. On the passenger side manifold it has the heat valve. My spring is missing, and wondered how difficult it would be to remove the valve butterfly, and tap and install steel plugs at the shaft area. If not possible, should I just tack weld it to the open position? Thanks

[55Wagon]

I guess I will tack it into position, it is frozen in the open position already.

[b-man]

If it’s frozen open then leave well enough alone would be my advice.

It’s a lot of messing around to take everything out and plug the openings but many people have done it.

You’re taking the chance of damaging it removing the flap and shaft, especially being frozen.

Usually you have to remove the flap by blowing it out with a cutting torch because everything is stuck tight.

Let sleeping dogs lie.