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Leaking steam valve

I moved a radiator last year so I could paint behind it.  The valve was a problem in the past.  The stem leaked a bit, so I repacked it.  Also, it seems the nut on the radiator that attaches to the valve loosens up.  I used teflon pipe compound on the connection.  I don't know why this is loosening up.  Any suggestions? 

Comments

  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Because you use teflon joint compound.

    Teflon is very slippery stuff. Its static friction coefficient is especially low. Union joints shouldn't have any kind of compound on them at all. Your best bet to recondition the seating surfaces would be to lap them with carborundum paste, then clean them and put them back together dry.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
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