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main air valve sticking closed

peteroneill3
peteroneill3 Member Posts: 6
in Strictly Steam
Hi all, i have posted before but have a new problem with my hoffman vapor steam system
the main air vent pictured is sticking shut, not releasing the air so that pressure is building up in the system and the boiler shuts of on the pressure stat
the vent only releases if i tap it with a hammer
You can see from the photo that the location make working or replacing very difficult
Are these valves serviceable and if so what are the techniques used
I am planning a boiler replacement in the spring so want to limit what i spend right now

Comments

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 6,669
    I can't tell from the photo that the location is difficult, but regardless the answer is to replace it.

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
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    Ironman
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,859
    No, they aren't repairable. Your best bet is going to be to figure out how to get a Gorton#2 in there. Unless your system is huge, if that's the main air vent on the dry returns you can get by with that. I imagine that some ingenuity maybe with a street elbow and a normal one, three short nipples and a union you can do it.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Ironman

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