Exhaust flaps

[KernowPete]

Hi all
The car has been sitting for a while and now the exhaust flaps are not opening in sport mode. Indeed they are closed when the engine is off meaning hopefully they are just stuck. I have no other symptoms of vacuum issues. But my question is, how freely do they move when not seized? Should you be able to move them fairly easy by hand (with a long tool obviously)? I've had a play and I can't move mine so much as a millimetre. Any advice greatly appreciated!!

[Grandadg90]

Spray both flaps with wd40. Leave it 30 minutes. Then pry the flaps open with a bar/long screw driver. Keep opening and closing them manually. They should free up. You may have to try this a few times. Finally spray them with silicone lube.

[12th]

I've used WD40 and found it stops them squeaking, so the above makes sense.

[KernowPete]

Thanks for replies so far. A few applications of WD40 has at least got them moving but still they need a lot of force to move (ie a long tool tapped with a rubber mallet). Another thread on here mentioned brake cleaner might possibly be a better solution - any thoughts?