Should I replace this vent?

MotownSteamer

Hello, Scott the homeowner here. I have a two pipe vapor/vacuum system in my home. I've lived through one heating season and am determined to get my system functioning as good as it can. I am replacing all radiator traps (does not appear they've EVER been changed!) but I'd like to know what to do with the main vent. I've read that the old vacu-vents like mine functioned great with coal fires but not gas fired boilers. I'm thinking about a B & J Quick Vent. And, I'm also replacing these Bishop Babcock Vacu-traps with B & J122 straightaways. Thoughts?

Steamhead

You can actually rebuild those traps

if you do, you don't risk something breaking when you take the old traps out, you won't have to get the old tailpieces out of the radiators, and it will probably cost less.



Replace the old vent with one or more Gorton #2 vents. Don't get rid of the old vent- it's a museum piece and should be treated as such. If you don't want it, send it to me!

MotownSteamer

As to the radiator traps....

I simply could not get the covers off. I did not do any damage getting all 13 traps off intact, but I did egg the bottom fitting on two of them on the bench vise-arrrggggh. Luckily, they were Dunham 1-Cs, and so I'll be able to replace the whole shootin' match with Mepcos. No need to retrofit the radiators. Cheaper than repairs kits too!



Anyway, I ordered the vent and will install. Yeah, I'll keep the vacu vent; it's kinda cool!

Rod

Traps

Hi - Use an impact wrench.  You also might consider orifices.

- rod