ISO 1/4\" main line vent with super-quick air release...

huck_2

thanks for the quick response steamhead.
i think if i could swap it out for the 1/2" that would solve the problem, but the 1/4" bushing sure as hell doesn't want to come loose. if i manage to break the old bushing out and free, i can just get another bushing to fit the gorton #2, right?

huck_2

in search of...1/4\" main line vent

so, i've done a lot of learning about why the last radiators on my system don't heat adequately. i just bought some new 1/4" main line vent valves that must vent more air than the old clogged ones, but the last radiators still don't heat up. i am having a hard time finding another 1/4" vent valve that will let out air crazy-quick.
i'd like to buy the Varivalve adjustable, but they are only 1/8".
i've seen in another thread here with reference to the Gorton #2 but can't find it at Statesupply.com; and i need to be sure it'll fit my 1/4" threads.
any help is much appreciated.

Steamhead (in transit)

You probably need a bigger connection than 1/4\"

The Gorton #2 has a 1/2" connection. If these 1/4" vents screw into bushings, remove the bushings. If they don't, you may have to drill and tap the main.

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Steamhead (in transit)

What size pipe

is the bushing screwed into?

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huck_2

the bushing is screwed into a coupling on the 2 1/2" pipe

Steamhead (in transit)

You mean

someone drilled and tapped the side of a coupling, then screwed a bushing in? That should be easy- if it breaks off, re-drill and re-tap.

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huck_2

maybe i'm confused on just what a 'bushing' is...
the coupling actually has the threads like it was made that way, like a t-pipe. but i think if i can break it off, i should be able to replace it easy and then screw in the new gorton #2, any idea how much the gorton #2 costs? or where to get it? i still haven't found the product anywhere online.

Steamhead (in transit)

Take a pic of it

and post it here. It will help if we can see it.

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huck_2

so you can see the new 1/4" valve, if i get that 'bushing' out one way or another, i'm going with the gorton #2

Steamhead (in transit)

That's a bushing in a tee

and you must have gotten that vent at Home Depot. It will handle a convector OK but not a steam main.

If the bushing breaks, take a power jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade and make several cuts from the inside almost (BUT NOT QUITE) to the threads at the tee. Then knock out the remainder with a center punch. Don't worry if a few bits drop away and are left in the pipe, they will rust away.

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huck_2

great. thanks for confirming everything. looks like the gorton #2 sells for $90! do you think it will noticable difference in moving the air quicker to the end of the main line?
thanks again for your help.

Steamhead (in transit)

Yes it will

I've had 100% success with it.

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Ken L.

impact 1/2\" gun it!

Hi, if you have access to pnematic air tools (sp) get a socket to fit the adapter and power it out. A socket with a breaker bar and WD40 may also help do the trick. This depends entirely where the top is. Kinda hard to tell from the picture.

You will need a close nipple or short piece of pipe to install the vent valve.

Good wrenching. Your investment in time will pay off!

~Ken

bob young

bushing unscrew--not

you try to unscrew that bushing & there is a real good possibility you will be replacing that steam tee among other items.

huck_2

i'll have to get that bushing out one way or another. with a little help from my pipe wrench, hammer, chisel, and hack saw... but i'll be sure to take extra care not to ruin the steam tee.
don't want that.
thanks.

Boilerpro_5

Don't have to get the bushing out

If you don't mind it looking a little wierd, just install a short 1/4 inch nipple and then a 1/4 X 1/2 coupling and then a long 1/2 inch nipple and then the Gorton No2. the 1/4 inch nipple has plenty of cross section and will cause almost no restriction to venting, according to test s done be steam experts Gerry Gill and StevePajek. An open 1/8 inch steel pipe flow the same air as the Gorton #2. A 1/4 inch pipe should be just fine.

Boilerpro

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huck_2

good thinking.
i wouldn't think it would have the same quick air flow unless i opened that bushing to 1/2". but you're the pro, and it's a much easier fix, thanks!

Steamhead (in transit)

But will it be big enough

to let condensate drip back against the steam before the vent closes? The velocity in a 1/4" pipe might be too high for this, which might cause banging.

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huck_2

steamhead, here's a pic w/o the gorton #2.
what do you think?
my only concern is if the air can rush outta the gorton #2 super-quick. any banging can be tolerated; there's enough banging in the bedroom---whoa! that's what she said.

Steamhead (in transit)

The pic

didn't come thru.

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huck_2

oops, here's the pics.
i've ordered the gorton #2 and should have it in a few days.
thanks for all your help!

ALH_4

bottleneck

I would be a little concerned about the bottle-neck. An iron pipe nipple may have a larger opening than that brass one.

One way you might get that bushing out is to rent an electric impact wrench and get a 6-point socket that fits tightly. It looks like you have been soaking it in penetrating oil for a while already so hopefully (probably) it would break free quite easily.