Heat riser stuck

I spent a good hour unsticking this riser this A.M but the weight came off easily/accidentally when I first embarked on the mission of freeing it.

Is there a special way it would go on? At this point I have knurled the shaft pretty good with the vice grips so Im thinking once I get it on it prob will stay on and I doubt it will spin on the shaft easily but Id guess that there is supposed to be a certain amount of spring tension it has to have.

Also what do you guys suggest to keep this thing free?

Year of engine is still un-known at this point. Replacement solid lifter engine in a 73 truck is all I know at this point.