Best way to remove thick topped bushing at end of main?

Tezak

I wanted to upgrade my main venting by cutting out this 1 1/4” to 1/4” bushing and replacing it with 1 1/4” to 3/4” bushing so I could add a proper main vent.

I was afraid to make a cut flush with the fitting for fear I’d have no purchase for my chisel but it appears that the top of the bushing was solid all the way down to the fitting (if not slightly below the top).
Any advice on how to proceed? I cut this with a 12v mini recip and need some time  rest so I thought I’d come ask you all!

PC7060

Good luck getting that out now that the hex portion is cut off. I’d have use a large pipe wrench with a cheater to remove if head was on.

As is I see two options.

1. Carefully cut slots into the inside of the insert without damaging the mating threads on the 90. Looks like the hole at top is large enough for a cutting blade.
   if you can get 3 cuts you should be able to break the inset into pieces and remove. The 90 is probably cast iron so be careful with hammers as it will crack.
   
2. drill the opening and tap it to 1/2” or 3/4” thread.
   

I prefer option 2 but I’ve got the tools. Option 1 may be better option if you can get a hack saw blade or your mini recip inside the insert

of course, limited space above the pipe makes it more challenging.

Tezak

I wrote off being able to wrench this out thinking it would be “steam welded” on. Probably should have left well enough alone with the radiator vent. Maybe I’ll see if there’s enough meat to thread a 1/4” fitting into this hole…

PC7060

Good luck and keep us posted. 😎

Mad Dog_2

Drill & tap a bigger hole...Mad Dog 🐕

STEAM DOCTOR

Crack the fitting and replace the fitting.

Mad Dog_2

That might ge more than he can handle...now youre in to Steamfitter skills. Mad Dog 🐕

Tezak

yeah that might be above my current skill level (and appetite for a big project). I’m going to try drilling and tapping a 1/2” hole and go from there.

PC7060

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1806946#Comment_1806946

yes, I understand. I’ve got a similar job on my hydronic system adding shutoffs for individual radiators. Did 11 of 18 during renovations, and starting the last 7. I keep my fingers crossed every time I cut into the 100 iron pipe. 😎

dko

I'd be mindful of the amount of cutting oil used. You don't need a whole lot, but I've seen people pouring it on and use half a bottle for a single tap.

Tezak

I decided to go for it and cut the thing out. Figured if I made a mess of it I’d hire a pro but it went well! You might be thinking “that’s a lot of effort for a Maid-o-mist #1” and I can’t argue with that 😂.

This is my 11 ft main and I feel like I’ve learned a lot for when do my 30+ ft main (which currently has a Big Mouth on a 3/8” tapping which I’d like to step up to 1/2”). I will likely try to drill and tap that one before I ruin the old bushing so thanks for the tip. I feel like I’ve seen videos of people tapping into fittings with no oil, is that viable?

Steamhead

So, how much faster did the main heat up?

Tezak

I haven’t fired the boiler yet tbh. I was going to wait for a cooler day so I don’t roast my tenants on the second floor.

Tezak

During the heating season this short main heated up faster than the long main even though it essentially had no main venting. About 8-10 min from a cold start. So after I increase the venting capacity on the long main I’ll see what adjustments need to be made and hopefully improve that time overall.

PC7060

Nice work! Were you able to use the mini-recip?

Mad Dog_2

You did all that hard work, treat yourself to a High Quality main vent like a Hoffman 75 or Gorton #2. Mad Dog 🐕

Tezak

When this one fails I’ll upgrade @Mad Dog_2 , thanks.

@PC7060 yes, it worked great. I cut slots across the top then inserted the blade and carefully cut the sides. It chiseled right out. I almost lost a piece down the pipe so I stuffed a plastic bag in the hole before knocking the rest of the pieces out.