Is this mean leaking? junk it? fix it? replace? -- >>>Steam Radiator

LS123

Hello everybody,

Attached below are two pictures of the same rusting of steam radiator.

When I run the heat high, I have not noticed any steam coming from this heater where the rusting is at.)

(Q-1) Is there a way to fix this radiator, such as clean the rust and spay paint (spray paint for heat and rust?

(picture one is view from top, picture two is a view from side )

Jamie Hall

I wish my radiators looked that nice...

A very good guide to whether you have a significant (that is to say, worth trying to fix) leak is how much water you need to add to the boiler. A gallon a month? No problem. A couple of quarts a week? Maybe take a deeper look.

If it is really a leak it usually can be fixed, but it does mean separating the sections and either replacing the nipple between them or doing it the good ol' boy way by reinforcing the nipple and seal with red RTV.

What I'm seeing, though, looks pretty minor. Wire brush with vigour, a good primer, and a matching paint.

LS123

@Jamie Hall Thank you! There is no significant amount of water I need to add to the steam boiler. few times I ran the boiler until every radiator was finish making hissing sound but this radiator did not leak steam from where it is rusted. Will clean it up and paint it accordingly. Thank you again!!

JUGHNE

How low is your steam pressure?
That may make the difference of leaking or not.

LS123

i think it is at 1 psi. I have an 70 old oil steam cast iron radiator heaters. this is the only one been like since i been at this house for about 4 years.

LS123

I was told that I could do a pressure test for each radiator, perhaps 30 psi?
(Q-1) where do I find tools, machines etc to do a pressure test on each radiator?

EBEBRATT-Ed

@LS123

If it has not gotten worse in 4 years I wouldn't be concerned.

If you do find it leaking get a "new one" at a salvage yard and just replace it

Jamie Hall

Don't do a pressure test. Please don't Especially at 30 psi. That's 20 times what your boiler should be running at, and I can guarantee you it will create all sorts of leaks that you didn't have before. Not helpful.

LS123

thank you @Jamie Hall

SlamDunk

slap some jb weld on it and paint it. Or, high temp rtv. It is likely to be slightly less than 1 psi at the radiator.

LS123

@SlamDunk
Thank you !