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Steam Radiator Control Valve

DaveBerry
DaveBerry Member Posts: 3
in Strictly Steam
Hello Experts, Dave In Alabama here. I’m a plumber and know just enough about hydronics to be dangerous. So, I have to fix a none working steam radiator. The control handle on the steam valve at the top of the radiator seems to be stuck. I’m attaching a couple of pictures in hopes someone will recognize it and know if it’s repairable.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Comments

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,242
    That looks like it could be an orifice controlled inlet valve.
    It may be repairable, what do all the other rad valves look like?
    If replaced with an ordinary valve it could pass too much steam into the return.
    How about a picture of the other end where the connection is made for the outlet?
    And brush off the writing so it can be read better, please.
    Or brush off and rub with pencil lead and rub off again, sometimes this will leave the lead in the printing.
    (as you would do a rubbing on an old tombstone)
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,396
    It's almost certain to be repairable. Trick will be figuring out how to get apart. Courage! As to the handle being stuck, wouldn't surprise me. They tend to freeze up -- metal to metal -- when not used, and can be a real bear. You could try getting some WD-40 in on the shaft (I'd suggest PB Blaster, but that smells!) and letting it sit for a bit, then trying to move the handle just a little bit, both ways. Don't put a 3 foot wrench on it, but you can get away with say a 1 foot wrench to give you a better grip. Just don't be a gorilla. Sometimes -- not always -- they will free up.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,578
    Can you blow through the valve, or is it plugged? Loosen the spud union and see whether steam comes out through the valve. Early orifice systems were adjusted to let only the small amount of steam into the radiator which can be condensed.
    What is on the return end of the radiator-anything special?
    This system may need very low pressure-less than it takes to blow up a ballon. Getting some of the steam books from here would answer many questions.
    Can you soak the valve for a few days in penetrating oil, like Kroil? You may have to cap off the supply and return, or wait for spring. There may be a hidden setscrew to prevent tampering.—NBC
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,289
    Is there a trap on the return connection at the radiator?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,289
    The valve might be a Webster- that company owned Fulton Sylphon for a while. If we could see the trap we'd know for sure.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • DaveBerry
    DaveBerry Member Posts: 3
    OMG - You guys can’t believe how greatful I am that you weighed in on my question!! I am totally blow away and just want to first ‘Thank You’.
    I will not be back at that job site this week, but will try to return answers to all of your great questions ASAP. As you can imagine, I’m approaching this with a great deal of caution (and a little fear), but I really think I can make the valve and radiator work again. Thanks so much!!

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