Heat Riser Valve on Big Block

[Frank B.]

The Judging Manual states that the counterbalance weight points towards the front of the vehicle on cars with large motors. When I place the heat riser in this position the counterweight rubs against the front of the starter motor. When I rotate the heat riser valve so that it points to the rear of the car it works properly. Does anyone have any answers to this problem.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Heat Riser Valve on Big Block

Do you know you have it right side up? Somehow a lot of these get upside down. I would put it where it works. The replacement may not fit like the original.

[Rob M.]

heat riser orientation

I have a 65 BB and question what the judging manual means "points toward the front". In David Burroughs book "Corvette Restoration, State of Art" there is a clear picture on the heat riser on the 396 engine in the featured 65. The shaft of the heat riser valve is oriented mostly side to side and the weight on the heat riser c'balance points to the rear. I have mine installed like this and it works fine. The weight rotates down when hot. I assume that David Burroughs is correct. Can anyone comment?

Thanks,
Rob

[Mike M.]

Re: Heat Riser Valve on Big Block

sounds like we screwed up when composing the 65-67 judging manuals. I think the counterweight points to the rear. mike

[Everett Ogilvie]

Heat Riser Orientation

Actually, on big blocks, the weight should point almost directly at the starter. It clears the starter by about 1/8". The proof is in 3 factory photos - Noland Volume II, for 1965, 1966 and 1967 - 3 factory photos of the underside of the car - all 3 years have it pointing at the starter. I orient them this way on every car I have and have never had a problem.