Rebuilding old radiator valves or replace?

Jchenabc

I have a two pipe vaper system and 20ish radiators. A little over half of them still have the original webster (Sylphon?) valve. I am missing the handle on a few of them, one just stuck completely closed. Tunstall told me they sell a rebuild kit for $125 and another $95 for one of their thermostat control.. Now that all hinges on I can open this thing up. The previous owner painted everything over with layers and layers of paint. I really don't even think I can get it open. At this price, should I just hire a plumber and replace them with a $15-$20 new angle valve ?

I understand the original stuff might have some kind of mechanism that limit the steam coming in, but the Tunstall kit doesn't do that. I can't justify the price here. Am I missing something else ?

Jamie Hall

What's wrong with the valves that you need to rebuild them? Or do you just want to? If it ain't broke…

You are missing something with the new steam valves: you also have to replace the spud in the radiator, which usually is no simple task. Further, the chances of their having the same dimensions (height and offset) as the old ones are exactly zero, so you will find yourself either moving the radiator slightly or the pipe — which also may be a little more involved than you think.

Grallert

If it can wait till warm weather I'd leave it till then. Take one apart and you might find it only needs some packing and grease. Start with one to get the feel for it they are not that complicated if you're at all mechanically minded. Either way this is the kind of job best done in the warm weather. You don't want to open a can of worms during the heating season.

Jchenabc

it's mainly just the one radiator stuck in complete off position. Creating a total cold spot in the foyer area. I does sounds like a job for a plumber if i do go with replacing it. Probably have to do something like this to get it open. I should probably wait for warmer season.

https://youtu.be/ZnTfDjV-FTU?si=QWlL1tqZDwDspuX-&t=667

delcrossv

If it turns out they're damaged inside, I'd opt for the Tunstall rebuild kit. Mepco does make regulating valves for vapor systems but they're gorgeous and priced accordingly.

I would not recommend using a "regular" one pipe valve as a replacement.

Jamie Hall

The older valves like yours had some finely machined metal to metal contacts.

So…

For the stuck one, WD-40 or PB Blaster on the shaft and wait. Try moving the shaft in either direction (don't be a gorilla). Rinse and repeat. It will free up with patience.

Jchenabc

Will give that a try. Will go pick up a PB Blaster, two pipe wrench, and maybe a heat gun ? Hope I can follow up here with some update later on.

mattmia2

Get some big adjustable wrenches or a socket the size of the hex on the nut. You could replace valves with modern valves and orifice plates but good valves aren't going to be much less than the rebuild kits. You coudl use the rebuild kits and orifice plates if the valves are actually broken in some places. I believe that they are packless so in most cases cleaning and lubrication should get them working.

mattmia2

If you remove the valve and put it in a vise with some wood or plastic you can probably get it apart with a socket without damaging the plating. you can try a socket or adjustable wrench on the nut with it in place counter holding at the part with the wrench flats where it screws to the pipe with a large adjustable wrench or open end wrench.