My 1958 F600 with 292 has a "restrictor" valve installed where the crossover pipe from the left manifold connects to the right manifold. I recall from 40 years ago that there is supposed to be a coiled spring to close this restrictor when the engine is cold and open it when hot but the spring is missing on mine. There is an arm with a round weight attached to the shaft that opens and closes the restrictor and with the spring missing the weight drops. The arm rotates freely and I can lift the weight up.

My question is this- with the weight hanging down is the restrictor valve open or closed? If it's closed in that position I obviously need to wire it up so as not to restrict the exhaust.  

The spring opens it.Weight closes it.Wire it open

  

If you live in a warmer climate, you can get rid of it and it will probably do good for the engine.  Take it off, cut the shaft and butterfly out and tap the holes left in each side for a 5/16 set screw(I think).  Don't cut the thread all the way through so the screw will jam in the hole and use a little high temp thread sealer when installed.  Looks neater than wired up and won't alter the fit of any of the pipes.

I believe wired in the "up" position closes the valve, weight hanging down is open.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

"The spring opens it.Weight closes it.Wire it open"

"I believe wired in the "up" position closes the valve, weight hanging down is open. "

 

OK, opinions are appreciated. Does anyone have one that works and can look at it and tell for sure- when cold is the weight up or down ?

John is right.I have it backwards.

  

OK, down is open so I don't need to wire it- just let it hang.

Thanks!

They sell a spacer that replaces the unit

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ