Replacing Sections in American Peerless Radiator

cameron52

I'm restoring a beautiful old house with a hot water radiant heat system. Unfortunately, the powder coaters tipped over one of the radiators and it broke several of the sections. I've found a donor radiator of the same model that I can scavenge radiator sections from to replace the broken sections.

The radiator is a Standard Peerless 4 column 38" tall 16 section radiator manufactured in the nineteen teens. Each section is 3" wide. I understand from the original literature on the radiators that the threaded nipples are 2" in diameter.

I've done enough research to understand how they come apart and to know that I need a special tool to turn the threaded nipples. I also know that I need new gaskets for the sections I take apart.

I've found a few sources for gaskets and tools, but am uncertain what tool and what size gaskets I need.

Anyone know?

(I know this may not be an easy solution and I'm okay with taking that risk.)

mattmia2

i don't think that there are gaskets between sections, it is usually just dope on the left right nipples. you probably will have to cut the old nipples out and have a machinist make new nipples on a lathe. those are pretty plain radiators, there are similar radiators available new from castrads and us boiler.

psb75

Those breaks are unfortunate. Good that you did the research. I have done this kind of fix on radiators with smooth (unthreaded) push-nipples i.e. swapping out and putting in sections. I don't believe I would try with L, R threaded nipples. That would be best done by a very experienced person in a shop with ALL of the proper tools and parts. Putting together, building new radiators with new materials and proper tools at the factory is one task, fussing with "long-in-service" radiators and old parts—is a whole 'nuther game. I like the suggestion above of you finding other vintage radiators and testing them and putting them back in service. There are lots of vintage radiators out there "begging" for a home. If you take on this repair task, tool-up and are successful…you should go into business! Save the old radiators!

murphyc122265

I'm curious whether this happened and whether there are additional thoughts or suggestions, please. I'm facing a similar situation, same radiator style, though I just want to shorten an existing radiator by removing a… "column" (?).

Steamhead

Unfortunately, this rarely works. We've tried it and they just don't go back together the same way they came apart, so they leak.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Probably better off searching for a replacement rad.

mattmia2

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1856515#Comment_1856515

or finding a way to reduce the output. really easy with hot water or 2 pipe steam, harder but there are ways with 1 pipe steam.

Big Ed_4

I am curious about the design of the nipple system …. Does anyone know where to find info ..