Steam radiator leak

Shawn Forlenza

Hi all, I was hoping to get some info. We are working on a 1 pipe old steam system, with fin tube radiators. There is one radiator that leaks from the air can. None of the others do and there all next to each other. We've replaced the can, so I'm pretty sure its not that but am stumped. Any help would be appreciated

nicholas bonham-carter

air can??

is that the air vent?
if so chase the threads down lightly with a tap. check the pitch of the rad, and the pressure.you need under 16 oz. for best performance.
you also need quick main line venting as these rads have a low thermal mass, and so the thermostat is going to call for more shorter shots of stem than with CI rads.
use good quality vents such as gorton or hoffman.if the leaking persists you, could put on a vertical nipple with a straight elbow to raise the height of the vent above the water in the rad a few inches.--nbc

Mark Custis

NBC

You ROCK

nicholas bonham-carter

more thoughts

these rads being so low to the ground,really need loooow pressure.now would be a good time to get a low-pressure gauge[gaugestore.com 0-5 psi ]. try to get it down below 16 oz.you will be amazed how improved it is! you may need a vaporstat to achieve this, but it will be the best expenditure you make at christmas.

improve your mainline venting as well, so the rad vents only have to handle the air in the riser feeding them. it's a false economy not to get the biggest high quality hoffmans, or gortons you can find. remember you are using extra fuel to push the air out an inadequate vent!--nbc