American Radiator Co Peereless Column Radiator Question

Jeff_130

I just pulled one of my radiators out to clean and paint it.  I flushed a bunch of sludge & gunk out with my power washer and cleaned it up and sprayed it.  I noticed that it has a tapping with a screw plug on the supply side (appears to be the same size and place as the air veIt opposite the supply).  This radiator is historically slow to heat so I was wondering if it would make any sense to unscrew the plug and throw a vent on it...  I've read Dan's booka and know the preferred method is to add a second one below the vent opposite the supply but this is not a large radiator...  any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks.  Jeff

Big-Al_2

Don't bother

I have a couple of those old Peerless column radiators in my house.  Both end sections are made from the same style casting, with the bosses cast in for vents.   This was for the manufacturer's convenience, and allowed the radiator to be installed with the supply on either end.  If you install a vent on the supply end, it will help very little, because it will close as soon as steam reaches the radiator.  If you need better venting, then a second tapping on the opposite end would be better.



Plus . . . the slotted plug may be difficult to remove.  I just installed a used radiator in my house . . . one that had been formerly set up for hot water.  One end had  the vent boss plugged and the other was never drilled and tapped.  I wound up drilling and tapping the unused boss, because the plug in the other end wouldn't budge.

Unknown

Before Tapping

Before tapping what you can try first is to increase the venting on the radiator either with a bigger capacity vent or use a tee and some elbows and install two vents. To test the maximum venting available from the regular vent hole in the radiator, install a 1/8 " ball valve on the vent hole (Use some elbows etc.to duct the steam in safe direction)



I 've attached a picture of the unit like I use to test vents. The gauge jumps slightly when the vent closes. It's also handy for timing etc.

- Rod

Jeff_130

Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the info.  I bought the venting capacity ebook last year and installed Gortons sized for the EDR of the radiators and risers as well as properly venting the mains.  Hopefully all the gunk that came out when I powerwashed the rad will help it heat a little faster.