1930. Trane Vacuum Steam System-help-need valve replacement

fortguy85

Any leads on replacement valves for the Trane 1930 vacuum steam system? They are straight/globe 3/4 inch union x, 3/4 male. Luckily, the traps are made down the street from me in Randolph MA but we just can't find the valves. We want to make this system work.....

Steamhead

fortguy85 said:

Luckily, the traps are made down the street from me in Randolph MA but we just can't find the valves....

Tunstall?

JUGHNE

They are straight plumbed in line or 90 degree angle valves?

Jamie Hall

If you can't find the originals or an exact replacement, and the valves are directly connected to the radiators, you ma have to install new valves -- which means new spuds. A pain, but doable.

However, do not despair. First, try local or more distant junkyards and the like -- you may bet lucky and find some. Second, research what is wrong -- if anything -- with your existing valves. Some, like the similar Hoffman 7s, are quite repairable with some thought and care.

Third... you don't have to have the original valves to make a vapour system work, particularly if you still have the traps and they work. You can substitute a regular radiator valve for them, and it will work just fine.

dopey27177

Mepco makes an orificed valve that can be adjusted to the need of each radiator.

See enclosure.

Jake

fortguy85

It is straight plumbed.....the difficulty is that it is union on bottom 3/4. and male 3/4 at top

fortguy85

this is awesome advice, was about to despair, we want keep this trane running and solved the trap issues, now its the valves

EBEBRATT-Ed

@fortguy85

If you can't find the exact valves you can find something to replace them with. What's wrong with the valves? Packing nut leaking or union leaking?

fortguy85

packing nut leaking

Gordo

@fortguy85: Please post a picture or two of your problem valve. We might be able to advise you better.

Jamie Hall

fortguy85 said:

packing nut leaking

Unless the nut is actually broken -- it happens -- that can usually be fixed quite easily. As @Gordo says, post a picture, please!

fortguy85

my heating guy has the valve trying to troubleshoot a match, will post a pic this week, the problem is finding one that has the union 3/4 as the inlet, a 3/4 male output...almost impossible to find

EBEBRATT-Ed

@fortguy85

If the packing nut is still good you can probably repack the valve stem unless it is really steam worn.

As far as replacement you won't likely find valves where the unions will match anyhow. So put new valves and unions in if you have to.

According to your post the union is on the valve inlet ...that is unusual but it doesn't have to stay that way

fortguy85

I will suggest that to my steam guy....

fortguy85

this is the crazy valve holding my extensive train system together

Jamie Hall

And it's leaking from? The stem? I'd be surprised if that weren't repairable...

And it looks to me -- I could be mistaken -- that the connection to the right -- to the radiator -- is a union.

Gordo

https://youtu.be/irnsxLiDBss

@fortguy85 : Hope this video helps

mattmia2

So it is a triple spiral to get the rise in less than a turn.

Couldn't you drill out the stud and tap it and replace with a stainless screw if the stud breaks on the old design?