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Odd Steam Air Vent...

Mad Dog_2
Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,837
edited March 5 in THE MAIN WALL

20250304_170043.jpg
20250304_170048.jpg

"air MACK valve" made in USA

10 adjustments for air release. Mad Dog

Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
mattmia2delcrossvLong Beach EdGGrossIntplm.

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,047

    Did they have much steam heat in Europe or were they kind of busy with world wars until hot water became common? The few old European systems that I have seen were open hot water systems with a tank in the attic.

  • Chris_L
    Chris_L Member Posts: 343

    I've got one of those vents in my collection, but don't use it. I found it on a radiator one of my neighbors (here in the Boston area) was getting rid of and had left on the curb.

    I tried it out, but didn't like it for some reason…but i can't remember now what that reason was.

    Mad Dog_2
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,650
    edited March 5
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1846723#Comment_1846723

    The Tudor system was popular in Europe for a while:

    https://www.heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/european-heating-systems-circa-1907/

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    mattmia2delcrossvMad Dog_2
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,837

    Frank...have you ever come across one of these MACK vents? Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,650

    Nope.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Aclera
    Aclera Member Posts: 4

    I have one of these! Still works great, seals well under pressure and doesn't make any noise. First time I've seen another one besides mine, thanks Mad Dog! I'm in northern NJ.

    Took a few pictures for everyone:

    mack_vent_side2.jpg
    mack_vent_top.jpg
    mack_vent_side.jpg
    mack_vent_rad.jpg
    Alan (California Radiant) Forbesdelcrossv
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,837

    Wow..nice..this one was painted over a few times...Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,519

    Adjusted one in Ct. back in the 1980's.It was the first one I had ever come across and haven't seen one since. Didn't know what setting to use. The customer was happy with the sound of it afterward.

  • Chris_L
    Chris_L Member Posts: 343

    @Aclera your vent is in nice shape. The one I have doesn't have any paint on it, but the plating is messed up in a couple of places.

    Also, the top of mine is slightly different from yours. Not sure why. Instead of a slot, it just has a hole and an arrow. I wonder which came first.

    IMG_20250316_182440634 cropped.jpg
    IMG_20250316_182106090.jpg
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,047

    does the slot lock it in position?

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