Cruiser, I checked my heat control valve today and the spring is in the same direction than yours.
The bended end of the spring rests on the
right side of the pin.
A little bit hard to see on this bad picture, but the assembly is identical to yours.
View attachment 1715995940
View attachment 1715995941
Two clumsy homemade schemes to explain the heat control valve operating :
- Cold engine
View attachment 1715995960
- Hot engine
View attachment 1715995961
Hoping to have been helpful
François