Taco Vortech air separator

quickdraw

I have a VTRTX125-3 Vortech air separator that is leaking water from the air vent. It has done this sporadically over the past couple of years then stops.It is not a lot of water just maybe 1/4 a cup.It seems to leak when system has not turned on in a couple of days.
I thought maybe the system was just adjusting.I have a Burnham boiler. Can this separator be opened and cleaned out if there is any dirt in it and how?

Steamhead

That vent is replaceable. IIRC it uses a 3/4" thread. It should unscrew in the normal manner.

No need to replace the entire Vortech.

dko

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Taco-418-4-1-2-FNPT-x-3-4-MNPT-Hy-Vent
Hy-Vent 418-4 (3/4" Male)
That is what is installed and can be replaced with.

Check the mesh vortex chamber to see if still intact. If deteriorated, the entire unit should be replaced as it won't be effective.

SuperTech

Last time I ran into one of those there was no removing the air vent. My coworker tried everything he could to get it out and ended up destroying the air vent. I had to bring him a new air scoop and help him replace it. I'm pretty sure situations like that is why you don't see them anymore. 

Dave H_2

Be mindful before you put a wrench on this and bangin away, here is the way to take apart

Joe Mattiello

Dave, that’s a great pictorial and great recommendation for removing vent. 

If they don’t remove top portion of casting, and attempt to unthread the vent, try fitting a dowel that’s same ID as vent in the vent before trying to torque it out using a pipe wrench. 

Daves way is best. 

SteveSan

The replacement air vent on the -3 models ( VRTX125-3 ) would be 419-1. Older models, -1 & -2 would take 418-4. Hope this helps.

quickdraw

I would like to thank everyone who responded. The vent was on there really well. it took quite a bit of pressure to finally undo it. I couldn't undo mid piece as described in the repair picture because too many other pipes(some gas lines were in the way.But in the end it unscrewed and came off. So far so good. Thanks to all who responded

psb75

Very nice of the Taco guy to support his company's product. Information is invaluable. It maintains our faith in products.

gardenman

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1800267#Comment_1800267

Quickdraw, what happened with the leak? Did it stop?

I have the same issue.

alanking

You don't need to take out the vent at all. Its core mechanism is replaceable. In most cases, you only need to replace an o-ring. I usually replace the o-ring 2~3 years. I got a bunch from ebay. They worked pretty well.

hot_rod

if fluid is running across the top from under the small cap, the issue is the needle valve inside is damaged