Steam Rad Valve repeatedly opening and closing

Jody

Yeah, it's definitely not the ideal location. Unfortunately, I only have a couple of inches b/w the main line and the ceiling, and then only 6 inches (at the most) above that to the bottom of the sub floor. So I don't have near enough room to put the vents in the optimum location (on a 6" riser 15" before the bend down to the wet return), esp considering how big the gorton #2s are. So, I guess I need to figure out 2 things:

1) Is it likely that the vent location is causing my problems?
2) Are there any other placement options I can consider?

Jody

Steam Rad Valve repeatedly opening and closing

The valve (Hoffman #40) on one of our rads in our bedroom recently started doing something strange - it will open and vent loudly for a couple of seconds, then turn off for a few seconds, then vent loudly for a few seconds, then turn off, etc. It only does this for a minute or two, but it is HIGHLY annoying when one is trying to sleep. Any idea what is going on?

Jeff_101

Sounds like

the pressure is either too high...or maybe your main vents stopped working.

Jody

Added Gorton #2s, probs remain

OK, I just replaced the main vents on both of the loops with Gorton #2 valves. The pressure on my system appears to be set for less than 1 psi. The rad valves are still repeatedly cycling on and off, though now without much audible venting while on. Some of the rads on the other loop are doing some excessive venting, too, though not cycling on and off.
Any ideas?

I am worried that this might have something to do with the placement of my main vents. they actually branch off about 4" below where the main turns 90* down to vertical to go to the wet return. After they branch off, there is a 3" piece of pipe and then about a 5 inch riser. This doesn't seem ideal, but is it at least workable? Or is this the source of my problems?

Jody

Schematic

Here is a simple, not-to-scale, drawing of what both main line returns/vents look like.

I had to knock 2 holes in my ceiling to fit the gorton #2s, so I don't have much room to go up.

don_52

Vent Location

Jody,

That vent location might not be to
good for the vent or for venting
in general.
If you post some pics of your layout
maybe one of the "steam guys" can
come up with a fix.
Look for Brad W's pdf in the main vent thread.

Regards, db