Rebuilding Radiator Valves

Hap_Hazzard

I recall someone posting about rebuilding radiator valves, but I can't remember who, and I didn't pay much attention because I could never get them apart without breaking something, but now I've got a couple taken apart, and I'm not sure what to do with them. The disks are both shot--one is completely gone and the other has too many chunks missing to make a good seal, but I have no idea what to replace them with. Does anybody sell replacement radiator valve disks or rebuild kits? If not, does anyone have any idea what they're made of? If I could get my hands on some of the material I could make them with a hole saw, but I have no idea what it is or where to get it.

Steamhead

Are these old Vapor system valves?

Hap_Hazzard

No, they're just plain old one-pipe shutoff valves.

Paul48

Might be worth a call... http://www.arpny.com/stems1.html#valves

Hap_Hazzard

Thanks, Paul. Not sure if they'll have parts for radiator valves, but it looks like they have a few other things I've been looking for.

Paul48

Look down the page......They may not have exactly what your looking for, but may be able to answer your questions about the material, or have it.

Hap_Hazzard

I think I found the material. http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23653&catid=679

It ain't cheap. I need 1/4", and the minimum size is 2x4 feet.

There is a cheaper grade, XX, which might actually be what the original discs were made of, but it's not that much cheaper, and if I were going to do it I'd use the CE, but it looks like my best option is to buy new valves.

nicholas bonham-carter

Do you really need to shut off these rads? The valves won't give you any problem if you just rotate the air vent.--

SWEI

Scrap phenolic should not be that hard to find. It comes out of all sorts of equipment.

Hap_Hazzard

nicholas bonham-carter said:

Do you really need to shut off these rads? The valves won't give you any problem if you just rotate the air vent.--

It actually looks like it should shut off pretty well without the disc. Considering the location I could put a ball valve on it.

SWEI said:

Scrap phenolic should not be that hard to find. It comes out of all sorts of equipment.

Well, you know how it goes. Its easy to find if you're not looking for it!

Hap_Hazzard

I just picked up a new valve, so of course I had to see what the disc was made of. It's rubber (or EPDM or whatever). That should be a lot easier to find than phenolic, and cheaper too.