G O R T O N # 2

crash2009

<span style="color:#666666"><span style="color:#00ff00">G</span> <span style="color:#00ff00">O</span> <span style="color:#00ff00">R</span> <span style="color:#ff0000">T</span> </span><span style="color:#ff0000">O N # 2  </span><span style="color:#000000">I have noticed a couple members here that mentioned that it would be nice if the Gorton vents could let you know when they are working.  Those of us that have Hoffman 75's can hear that re-assuring clink but the G2's operate silently.  </span>

I have been looking around the internet for a temperature orientated solution.  This is what I have found and was wondering if you think it would be a good idea to paint them with thermochromic paint.  The picture below specifys the temperature ranges and colors available.  Which range do you think would be best?  <a href="http://www.colour-therm.co.uk/cchart.html">http://www.colour-therm.co.uk/cchart.html</a>

I also found some sticky labels that would be less accurate but would still show you when the main vent is hot.  <a href="http://www.thermometersite.com/thermacolor-reversible-thermometers/hot-warning-indicator/detailed-product-flyer.html">http://www.thermometersite.com/thermacolor-reversible-thermometers/hot-warning-indicator/detailed-product-flyer.html</a>

Yes, I am running out of things to paint.  G2, your next.

Jean-David Beyer

I think idea is great, but...

I looked at the chart and none seem suitable. Note that most are irreversable; i.e., once they get to a temperature, they do not go back. So good for one reading only. Note, also, that they are listed in degrees Centigrade, so most of them deal with temperatures well over the boiling point.



It looks to me that only the one near the bottom right, the one called "L", would have a chance of working. You would need to calibrate the colors to the temperatures.



The 7-Level thermometer strip from the second link might be best. It is not clear if Range 4 (140F to 194F) or Range 5 (194F to 248F) would be best.

nicholas bonham-carter

temperature tell-tale

maybe the gorton could have a transparent back with some sort of visible pointer, then one could see when the vent had closed.--nbc

Dave in QCA

I vote for an indicator

I like the idea of an indicator, or perhaps a thermometer?

According to GW Gill, the Gorton #2 closes at 130 F.  

You probably have seen this set of video clips where he shows the inner workings of several main air vents, but in case some have not, I am posting it here again.

http://www.gwgillplumbingandheating.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=610

From this page, you can click on the separate links for each type of vent.

Brad White

I like the

approach of a tell tale when your vent is NOT working, how the radiators his and take forever to heat and your fuel bills go up. Very positive!