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Cast Iron Radiator Help

I just picked up an old slenderized radiator 4 tube 25 inches tall with 28 sections. It was last used in a hot water system and has the hot water input at the top of the radiator and at the other end of the radiator has the cold return flow hooked up to the bottom. Can I keep it setup this way or should I move the input to the bottom as well as I have commonly seen? I am new to cast iron radiators and this great forum and thank everyone for their help!

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,770
    As long as it's not over-pumped, it should work fine that way. But if the flow rate is too high, the water will just flow thru the first few sections while leaving the rest of the radiator cold.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • mainewoods22
    mainewoods22 Member Posts: 3
    How can I figure out the flow rate? The pump is a taco 007-F5, going through a short loop (15-20ft) of 3/4" copper. I do have another loop on that zone but it is currently disconnected. So the radiator is the only thing on the zone right now with that pump.
  • field_engineer
    field_engineer Member Posts: 10
    I have converted my home from hot water to forced air. I know you ask, why did I go and do that, trust me it was a fuel cost issue. Anyway, I have cast iron radiators of various sizes, no one seems to want to buy them, I was wondering what I could fonate them?
  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,475
    People are always looking for radiators. Where are you and what size are they?

    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
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,407
    really where you at?
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,770

    I have converted my home from hot water to forced air. I know you ask, why did I go and do that, trust me it was a fuel cost issue.

    Someone told you you couldn't switch fuels unless you also put in forced-air?

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    kcopp