[rich b]

Looking at your latest picture; part of the cable tube is missing. The spring stop clip bears against the tube so that is probably why the arms are not held back to the rear when released.

Looking closer at the picture of the other side you posted earlier; also appears the tube is broken (rusted) off too.

Doesn't explain why you can't get it to work tho.

The question about earlier and late levers is interesting; but I never noticed any difference between them.

Here's a picture I took of the normal inside tube length.