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Resize Hot Water Radiator

Sleepless in Seattle
Sleepless in Seattle Member Posts: 2
in THE MAIN WALL
Is it possible to replace a cracked end fin on a hot water radiator? If so, what is the process and who can accomplish the task?

Comments

  • Brad White
    Brad White Member Posts: 2,399
    Is it a cast iron radiator?

    If it is cast iron, the only permanent "repair" is brazing and that is as much an art as science. The heating can crack things further and cast iron is not what one could call "weld-able". Too grainy and with disparate ingredients.

    An epoxy called "JB-Weld" is recommended by many. Follow the instructions and make everything bare and clean beforehand. Cannot hurt to try. The stuff is tough.

    The best solution overall might be to replace the end section using wood wedges and a small hand-sledge. If you are not up for this, replacing the radiator entirely from a salvage yard might make sense. Or check Craig's List.

    Now, get some sleep.
    "If you do not know the answer, say, "I do not know the answer", and you will be correct!"



    -Ernie White, my Dad
  • Sleepless in Seattle_2
    Sleepless in Seattle_2 Member Posts: 1
    Separating is easy, how to get it back together

    Thanks Brad,

    I had the same thought, replace the broken end section. My quandary is how to get it back together with the new end piece. It's easy, relatively, to get the broken section apart but it's my understanding that these radiators are pressed together. Who can do that, how much force is required, should the pieces be heated/cooled to make it work best? Lots of questions. Anyone have insight into this?
  • Brad White
    Brad White Member Posts: 2,399
    Push Nipples

    that go between the sections of the type I presume you have, should be clean and smooth as should be their mating surfaces within the radiators.

    A smear of Permatex red silicone gasket sealant will go a long way toward smoothing out any irregularities.

    A pair of padded bar clamps makes for a good, slow pressing motion, even across. Some use a rubber mallet. Others will have other ideas I am sure.

    Key is that the sections seat all the way same as others next to them.
    "If you do not know the answer, say, "I do not know the answer", and you will be correct!"



    -Ernie White, my Dad
  • bruce_21
    bruce_21 Member Posts: 241


    There should be rods going through all the sections holding the radiator together just tighten them up evenly after spreading a good sealant, I'd use Blu-Block, on the push nipples.
  • Sleepless in Seattle
    Sleepless in Seattle Member Posts: 2
    Rods?

    Thanks for the info Bruce.

    Where would the rods be? There aren't any on the exterior and I don't see any in the inlet/outlet port. There is a threaded cap at the top of the radiator, would it be behind that?
  • Dave Stroman
    Dave Stroman Member Posts: 766


    Your radiator is put together with Left/Right threaded nipples. No taking them apart. Cut you loses and get another radiator.

    Dave Stroman, Denver

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • bruce_21
    bruce_21 Member Posts: 241


    Many I've seen have three or four running thru the sections, but not in the water, between the tubes. You should see the nuts on the outside of the end sections. Maybe they're buried in paint. There has to be something to balance the pressure inside the radiator and keep it from flying apart. Maybe there is some other means of holding the sections together used on yours.
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