VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Manifold heat control ??? Useful gadget ?

I'm sure this topic has surfaced many times before I came along, but could you guys give me your opinion on the benefits of a working manifold heat control ?
I don't seem to have much luck using the forum's search feature. My car's a '32.
I'd like to get mine functional again. As you can see, the attachment point is barely discernible against the rusted manifold. It would be a good time to paint the manifold as well. The carb is currently off being given a new life.
Also any tips for removing the manifold nuts ? Maybe soak with Kroil for a week first, then apply heat carefully with a OA torch ? I really don't want to snap one off ! It's been 20+ years since they've been off. Thanks guys

I don't use the heat riser on my 32 at all even though it works fine. Possibly might be useful for cold weather driving, however I don't know of anyone that uses their car in the winter.

I don't use mine either.

The nuts will likely come off with penetrating oil maybe assisted by heat. Once they are off then the challenge begins. Yes the studs that go through the intake manifold and end in the exhaust manifold will almost certainly be rusted in place. Heat, penetrating oil and tapping will eventually break up the rust so they can be separated.

I only use the manifold heat valve when I am testing carburetors and want to get the intake manifold heated up faster. Otherwise it is useless.

Got it. Thank you.

I thinking of putting this project on hold. I'm juggling enough at the moment.

I would think after reaching normal operating temperature, even in the winter, the engine would do fine on its own, after warming up…..and not need any additional heat.

Too bad the mechanism couldn't be re-routed into the car for passenger comfort.
The Heat Knob is already in the dashboard, staring at me, not doing anything.

The heat riser mechanism operates from exhaust gas so rerouting into the car would be deadly!!

Or, if like on my old leaky Corvairs, it's business as usual. Turn up the heater to stay warm, crank down the window a little to stay alive, and if it gets a little exhaust-gassy in there, just lean over by the window and breathe in some fresh outside air now and then.

Air cooled flat six fun!

Then maybe call it a "mother-in-law heater"