A marble in my vapor valve?

Brian_74

One of my radiators has been making a noise that sounds like a marble in boiling water (anyone else's mother do that?). Today I listened to it with my mechanic's stethoscope. The sound seems to be loudest from the control valve (it's a vapor system). Could the cause be the valve? If so, what should I do? Just replace it? (Yeah, I know, that's a mighty big "just")Here's the valve (handle removed):

Jamie Hall

It could be

as simple as something having come adrift in the valve.  Can you disassemble it further, and make sure all the parts are screwed together as they should be?  Just take good note of how it was put together and all; some of those valves have adjustable openings and if you don't look at how they were together they may not go back together quite right (ask me how I know).



And yes, my Mom did sometimes put marbles in water to boil; made it boil more evenly!

Brian_74

There's a nut under the ring.

I'll try loosing that tomorrow, when the stores are open. What am I looking for? Or is this just a look and see?

Jamie Hall

Who knows...

Depends on the exact type of valve.  I'd just be looking for something loose!

Brian_74

Normally that's what gets me into trouble.

I found ye olde broken and loose part. I'm going to cut it off and reassemble. Any ideas where I can get a replacement? I suspect this is deep into NLA land.

Jamie Hall

There is a reason...

why I never throw anything mechanical out around here... most of the parts aren't available any more!  One gets very creative!



But since this looks like a two pipe or vapour system, you may be able to find a new "will fit" valve, if you can't fix the old one.

Brian_74

I'll see how this does

I don't actually use the valves anyway, although it would be a shame to replace it with a modern one. This is one of the few remaining original valves in the house. I guess on the bright side, that means I can still get something that will fit.



Thanks for your help, Jamie.