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Clicking noise?

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LostInNYC
LostInNYC Member Posts: 5
in Strictly Steam
On my steam radiator I have Macon thermostatic operator installed. At about every 4 minutes (likely when the boiler is cycling) there is a clicking noise - not a banging or knocking of the full radiator but just like a faint but still noticeable two click-click on/off noise - almost like a timer turning on and off but since there is nothing electric can’t seem to figure it out. Is this a valve issue? No one can seem to solve it so was looking to all of you to potentially brainstorm!

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  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,737
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    I’m assuming this is a 1 pipe steam system, if so what brand vent is screwed into the Macon TRV?  If your not sure post some pictures of the device and we may be able to tell.

    Some vents click, some don’t, volume usually depends on how high system pressure is.
    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
  • dopey27177
    dopey27177 Member Posts: 887
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    The clicking noise you hear is coming from the 1/4" check valve that is installed before the t assembly.

    Jake
    Steam: The Perfect Fluid for Heating and Some of the Problems
    by Jacob (Jake) Myron
  • LostInNYC
    LostInNYC Member Posts: 5
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    Thanks! So Can the valve be swapped for one that doesn’t click? Any recommendations?
  • dopey27177
    dopey27177 Member Posts: 887
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    Looking at the thermostatic operator dose not tell me much. Can you get a picture of the valve inside the cabinet.
    Steam: The Perfect Fluid for Heating and Some of the Problems
    by Jacob (Jake) Myron
    KC_Jones
  • LostInNYC
    LostInNYC Member Posts: 5
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    Any ideas for a valve that will not make the light clicking noise? 
  • LostInNYC
    LostInNYC Member Posts: 5
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    Any clever ideas? It’s definitely not a pressure differential issue or banging or knocking. The noise is more a light click on/off. Like an old school thermostat engaging and disengaging. 
  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,737
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    2 pipe system by the looks of it, so my original thought is out the window.

    I would guess it's just the valve operating open and closed due to room temperature changes. If that's the case then that's how it works and the only option is eliminate the TRV entirely. That may lead to overheating.
    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
  • LostInNYC
    LostInNYC Member Posts: 5
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    Is there a valve that wouldn’t make this noise?
  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,737
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    I'm not that familiar with options for a 2 pipe. As said, if you eliminate the TRV and replace with a standard valve nothing moves, so nothing clicks. If I was guessing that "fix" would possibly overheat the room you are in. I can't say if another TRV will be any quieter, we don't see much 2 pipe steam TRV on this site.

    Is this an apartment or condo building?
    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
  • neilc
    neilc Member Posts: 2,703
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    what if you wrap an old towel around that valve where you hear the noise,
    just to dampen it
    known to beat dead horses

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