Leaky radiator

Mark_125

HI Fellow Wallies,
I have a rad that's leaking slowly, but enough to dampen the carpet (see pics). It must be condensate leaking out because the rad was cold when I took the photo. Can anybody describe to me how to stop the leak. I'm not sure what to apply and where.
Thanks,
Mark

Abracadabra

Did you try tightening the nut? Jiggle the radiator while tightening. Don't crank down on it too much.. it's brass.

Sailah

If it's like our valves, the tailpiece and body are matched compression fittings. The seal happens metal to metal, the nut just tightens the tapers together so putting dope on it does nothing.
I've never had to fix one but if I did I would remove the valve and clean the surfaces with a scotchbrite pad and retighten.

Fred

When I look at your second picture, it looks like that nut is cross threaded onto that valve. Is that the case or just the way the picture is taken? Something doesn't look quite right there.

JUGHNE

Good eye Fred, I concur. Actually looks like it could be another case of newer valve installed with an old non matched rad spud left in place. Everything was painted except the valve body which is suspicious.

I guess I would try to tighten the nut a little, but be prepared to change the valve and install the new spud that comes with it.

STEAM DOCTOR

Radiator looks lower than valve. Might need to put something under radiator legs.

Mark_125

Thanks to all for your suggestions, it looks like the winner was 'jiggle the rad while tightening' - that seems to have done the trick.

-Mark

Abracadabra

\o/

I was considering posting a "jiggle" gif, but not sure how appropriate that would be

Steamhead

Abracadabra said:

\o/

I was considering posting a "jiggle" gif, but not sure how appropriate that would be