Rusted Main Vent

TeachMeSteam

Hello, everyone.



I've been replacing 2 main vents on my system. I finally got them and I replaced one of them. However, for the other, I can't seem to get the old main vent free.



The vent's threads are completed rusted. I've been trying to free it with a crescent wrench but it seems impossible. What can I do at this point?

nicholas bonham-carter

removing recalcitrant vent

most main vents are brass-bodied, and should come out with a few taps on the handle of the wrench, while you exert a bit of force on them. the shocks can loosen them more easily than constant force.--nbc

TeachMeSteam

Impossible!

I tried tapping on it. It still won't budge.



I also just noticed that the section of the pipe that the this vent is on, is ice cold when the boiler is on. I guess that suggests that the vent is not working.



I googled similar situations. How about using a penetrating liquid like PB plaster?



Hoping someone can chime in with a helpful suggestion.

nicholas bonham-carter

pb-blaster or kroil to the rescue

i was thinking about more than a "tap" on the wrench-more like a "whack", and yes use some sort of penetrating oil.

don't allow yourself to get confused by mistaking the direction of rotation for unscrewing as you are probably underneath the joint." righty-tightey, lefty-loosey", when viewed from the top can get turned back to front from some angles.--nbc

TeachMeSteam

THANK YOU. IT WORKED!

I finally had time to get some PB blaster and it worked! I really didn't think it would. This vent looked like it's been there for 50+ years.



I sprayed some and after 5 minutes, it still didn't work. But, I sprayed some more, waited 30 minutes, and the vent slowly moved. I almost cried in joy.