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How do I turn off this style radiator?

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cece
cece Member Posts: 1
in Strictly Steam
Any ideas?  The knob from my other radiator doesn't fit on this one.  I've tried turning the valve to the right as suggested in this thread but it won't budge. 



<a href="http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/132748/How-do-I-turn-off-my-radiator">http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/132748/How-do-I-turn-off-my-radiator</a>



Is there a standard size handle that would work?  My super is useless. 



Pics of either side of the radiator are attached.

Comments

  • stevep
    stevep Member Posts: 37
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    Gate valves...

    I don't like messing with those old gate valves; just seems that doing so too often ends up in them leaking or not fully shutting off which can result in water acumulation in the radiator. If I were you I'd just plug the vent hole or turn the vent upside down so steam can't enter the radiator.

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,479
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    Don't mess with that

    valve unless your ready to replace it because you just knowit's going to misbehave if you do.



    If you can turn that vent 180degrees so it faces the floor it should have the same effect as turning off that stuck hand valve.



    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • Dave in QCA
    Dave in QCA Member Posts: 1,786
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    careful with that vent

    It looks like I can see layers of paint on that vent and the 1/8" pipe thread where it screws into the radiator does not look so hot either. I would hesitate to turn that vent as it might just break off. Not sure if your super would blame you for damaging it and what that might lead to. The first step I would try in this case is to put a heavy blanket over the radiator.
    Dave in Quad Cities, America
    Weil-McLain 680 with Riello 2-stage burner, December 2012. Firing rate=375MBH Low, 690MBH Hi.
    System = Early Dunham 2-pipe Vacuo-Vapor (inlet and outlet both at bottom of radiators) Traps are Dunham #2 rebuilt w. Barnes-Jones Cage Units, Dunham-Bush 1E, Mepco 1E, and Armstrong TS-2. All valves haveTunstall orifices sized at 8 oz.
    Current connected load EDR= 1,259 sq ft, Original system EDR = 2,100 sq ft Vaporstat, 13 oz cutout, 4 oz cutin - Temp. control Tekmar 279.
    http://grandviewdavenport.com
  • JeffM
    JeffM Member Posts: 182
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    tape the vent hole

    When the vent isn't hot,wrapping a piece of electrical tape tightly over the hole in the vent works to shut off a radiator if the steam system pressure isn't too high (I do this at home rather than mess with the adjustments of my vents or close valves). If air can't get out, steam can't get in. Of course, if steam pressure is high the tape will be blown off and that won't work, but it's worth a shot since it's simple and you can't break anything trying it.
  • Dave in QCA
    Dave in QCA Member Posts: 1,786
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    DUH

    Now I really feel stupid! Of course! Why didn't I think of that!
    Dave in Quad Cities, America
    Weil-McLain 680 with Riello 2-stage burner, December 2012. Firing rate=375MBH Low, 690MBH Hi.
    System = Early Dunham 2-pipe Vacuo-Vapor (inlet and outlet both at bottom of radiators) Traps are Dunham #2 rebuilt w. Barnes-Jones Cage Units, Dunham-Bush 1E, Mepco 1E, and Armstrong TS-2. All valves haveTunstall orifices sized at 8 oz.
    Current connected load EDR= 1,259 sq ft, Original system EDR = 2,100 sq ft Vaporstat, 13 oz cutout, 4 oz cutin - Temp. control Tekmar 279.
    http://grandviewdavenport.com
  • MDNLansing
    MDNLansing Member Posts: 297
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    Rubber Band

    If the tape blows off you can wrap a thick rubber band around the hole. Just make sure the first wrap is straight and flat against the vent holes. Then just twist it and keep doubling it over until it's tight.
  • steamedchicago
    steamedchicago Member Posts: 72
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    chewing gum not recommended

    The last rental apartment I had that had one pipe steam had about half the vents plugged up with chewing gum.  it worked just fine!  The land lord had to replace them all when I complained, though. 
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