New GovFree Governale rad, or a 2nd-hand replacement

JamesC in Stamford CT

Hello all,



I have a leaker, and need to replace. One pipe steam. Problem is that the radiator is in an alcove, so it can only be very specific dimensions (max 5 inches deep, max 26" high, max 36" long). So a local salvage place yielded not much, and besides they would not test or guarantee. So I went to the internet and found 2 basic options:



1) Simplyplumbing.com has a Governale new cast iron GovFree, 4-tube, 18 section 26" high for only $222 plus $219 freight to Stamford CT for a total of $441. They even said they would waive the freight if I drove to them to pick it up (but I like my car, so I would pay to have it delivered)



2) I emailed 2 online refurbishers, one in Mass and one in Canada. The radiators they have would be great, and they test and guarantee, the problem is they cost more than new. The Mass company offered me a primed radiator in stock (but 23" instead of 26) at $675, or the exact size I wanted at $860. The Canada company had the best selection, offering 3 differnet styles and EDRs, but the costs were $750 to $820 shipped to SW Connecticut.



So while I love the idea of supporting companies that refurbish old radiators, seems to me the new one from Governale is so much cheaper. Are there disadvantages to getting a new one? Or hidden costs I am not thinking of



Attached is existing radiator to be replaced.

Governale specs are at <a href="http://www.governaleindustries.com/govfree.cfm">http://www.governaleindustries.com/govfree.cfm</a>

Steamhead

If that were my radiator

I'd take it apart. It looks like the leak is between the sections, which usually means a bad push-nipple. You can still get replacement push-nipples if you know where to find them. If your rad can be fixed, you then would not have to make any piping changes, such as the height of the valve connection from the floor.



Do you know what brand that rad is? Any name on it?

JamesC in Stamford CT

push nipple photo?

Hi, thanks for the reply. There is no clear name on the radiator, but it seems that on the large plugs at the top, there are initials inscribed, very stylized lettering and sort-of distorted and conforming to the roundness of the plugs, and it looks like "US". The radiators are original to the house, about 1930.



Does anyone have a photo of a radiator like mine taken apart, showing up close what the push nipples look like and how the push nipple gets connected inside? before I start taking all that apart, I kind of want to get an idea of what is involved in that sort of operation.



Thanks!

Rod

Push Nipples

Hi- If your radiator is held together by rods, it has push nipples.

Here's an good article of Dan's on radiators including info on push nipples.

http://www.masterplumbers.com/plumbviews/2003/old-radiator_QandA.asp



Push nipples are available from:

Oneida County Boilerworks

611 Mortimer Street

Utica, NY 13502

(315) 732-7914

- Rod

Steamhead

They're Capitol radiators

made by United States Radiator Co.



We've fixed a bunch of radiators but I don't think we took any push-nipple replacement pics. Something to keep in mind for the next one..................

JamesC in Stamford CT

New GovFree Governale rad, or a 2nd-hand replacement

Thanks everyone. With your collective encouragement, I am now determined to attempt to take it apart and see if I can clean it up and put back together, and if the push nipple cannot simply be cleaned but is pitted or corroded too much, I will see if Oneida County Boilerworks can get me a replacement.



But, if my handiwork does not have the intended effect, I then if need to get a new radiator altogether, then I am back to my original question -- does anyone see an issue with the new Governale rads? They seem so much cheaper than a refurbished/tested one.

Long Beach Ed

Governale

We've had mixed experiences with the hundred or so Governale radiators we've installed.  The company is owned by Burnham, so naturally their customer service is tops.  They stop at nothing to help their installers.



The problem is that during the peak seasons, when Burnham is casting boilers in their Pennsylvania foundry, the radiators are made in CHINA.  Absolutely garbage.  We've found dozens of them full of casting sand, plugged up with slag and leaking. 



The ones cast in America during the off season are wonderful and trouble free.



Try to get these from a local plumbing supplier who will offer you some discount.  The prices you mentioned are WAY too high.  If the tag says "China," pass on the radiator.  You'll be bringing it back or fighting with a coat hanger to unclog casting sand from its back section .

JamesC in Stamford CT

Bad push nipple

Thanks Long Beach Ed for the warning about the foreign Governales. Is the "Made in China" or "Made in USA" cast into the cast iron? Or am I to rely on the packaging to tell the difference?



Anyway, thanks everyone for the advice about the suspected bad push nipple -- you gave me the courage to take the thing apart. Pictures attached. I only broke apart one joint -- I figured there is no need to take apart the rest since those sections are not leaking. The push nipple at the top of the joint seems in perfect condition. So I suppose I should simply put it back, unless someone says I ought to replace both push nipples. The one at the bottom is all eaten away and corroded, as you can see in the pic. And that was why it was leaking. So definitely I will replace that one.



My worry is that, after I cleaned out the place where the bad push nipple was, it is not all that smooth, but it was rusted and maybe a bit pitted (I even used a wire brush attachment on my drill to be sure to remove the flakes). So even if I put in a new push nipple, I am concerned that the steam might find it's way around. Any suggestions on how best to handle that? Do I slather in some GRIPP or pipe dope around the new push nipple to fill any voids? Or JB Weld?

Steamhead

We use red hi-temp silicone caulk

it will handle much higher temperatures than that rad will ever see. 

JamesC in Stamford CT

Hi Temperture silicone sealant

Hi Steamhead, did you mean something like this for use with the push nipple?



http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81160-Hi-Temp-Silicone-Sealant/dp/B000FW2NB2

Steamhead

That'll work!

there are several different brands but this Permatex will do fine.