Phil, I guess I got that backwards. I do know that over time the spring weakens a little. I also regularly lubricate with WD-40. With all the road dirt and grime the hinge pivot stiffens up. The oil takes care of that.
I ended up slightly bending the welded on lever out from the exhaust a little. It very easy to hit with my heel - by far the easiest way with the least effort.
