Missing Radiator Valve Knob?

Cube_

Hello, 

I'm new to the forum and needed some help. I live in an apartment built in 1960 and we have a steam system for heat. I have 3 radiators in my apartment, 2 of which have working valves which I've managed to turn and lower the heat drastically. When comparing the 3rd one with the rest, it looks like its missing a knob to adjust the heat. 

I removed my radiator covers and took pictures of the entire system plus a close up of what seems to be the valve and where the missing knob should be on the that square nut (first two images). 

Can someone tell me if that is in fact a valve by the looks of it? And if it is, how can I adjust the heat? 

neilc

yeah, that's what's left of that valve, the handle would engage that squared plate,
try an adjustable wrench, or pliers on the plate and wiggle back and forth,
doesn't this valve body match the others in the apartment? minus the missing handle?

Big Ed_4

Hit it with WD40 too....

mattmia2

You could cover part of the convector element with foil to cut down the output. you can also buy a new handle for the valve. i think that valve is an american radiator company valve because of the metering adjustment.

Cube_

neilc said:

yeah, that's what's left of that valve, the handle would engage that squared plate, try an adjustable wrench, or pliers on the plate and wiggle back and forth, doesn't this valve body match the others in the apartment? minus the missing handle?

Thanks for the response.

 Yes, this valve body matches the other 2 in the apartment. I'll try some WD40 and then use a wrench to twist it to the right to close. These types of building radiators aren't ever 100% off, right? The valve controls the steam going to the bulky part with the fins but the supply line is always piping hot and that still gives off some heat to the apartment, right? 

Cube_

Cube_ said:

neilc said:

yeah, that's what's left of that valve, the handle would engage that squared plate, try an adjustable wrench, or pliers on the plate and wiggle back and forth, doesn't this valve body match the others in the apartment? minus the missing handle?

Thanks for the response.

 Yes, this valve body matches the other 2 in the apartment. I'll try some WD40 and then use a wrench to twist it to the right to close. These types of building radiators aren't ever 100% off, right? The valve controls the steam going to the bulky part with the fins but the supply line is always piping hot and that still gives off some heat to the apartment, right? 

Thanks, I'll try twisting the square plate first to the right and see if less heat radiates. Also yeah its probably American? Doesn't look like they've been touched since the 60s

guzzinerd

Isn't there a risk of steam leaking from the valve stem if they manage to break it free?

mattmia2

American Radiator Company is now called American Standard. Knowing the manufacturer might help in finding the right handle. It shouldn't heat at all if the valve is sealing completely but it will heat a little if the valve doesn't seal completely.

DanHolohan

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Wal-rich-1705006-Replacement-Handle-for-BARVY-BARV-and-AHY-Radiator-Valves?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=shopping_neutral&utm_campaign=Shopping_Neutral_New_users&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsburBhCIARIsAExmsu77wS2rcNxMXZiY19djAkgcqXWTFI1Hj_0kQO3vq4YfOo9t0-y6lTAaArawEALw_wcB

Cube_

Update: I rotated the square plate as much as I can and the heat has decreased. Thanks all for the tips

Steamhead

This is it:

https://www.mepcollc.com/product/swrf-b-regulator/

Cube_

Steamhead said:

This is it: https://www.mepcollc.com/product/swrf-b-regulator/

Wow, accurate find. Thats exactly how the knob and valve look on the others