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Cracked bonnet nut

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Dsisson
Dsisson Member Posts: 110
in Strictly Steam

I have a large valve that has a cracked bonnet nut. The system is losing water from it. Lucky it’s in the basement so the only damage is the loss of water but I want to fix it. Can I buy a replacement nut? I can’t figure out where. Replacing the valve is out of the question-just too much pipe that would need to be done too.

Comments

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 11,686
    edited January 12

    Picture? 

    A local machine shop may be able to fabricate one for you.   Also you can cut one pipe and replace the section of pipe with threaded pipe nipples and a union or a flange after all the threaded connections/surfaces are sealed 

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • Dsisson
    Dsisson Member Posts: 110
    IMG_8264.jpeg IMG_8263.jpeg

    I assume the bonnet nuts are unobtanium? Could I remove the valve guts and cap it?

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,449

    You could cap it, but they aren't NPT American Pipe Thread. Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,867

    id try the hose clamp and see if it will seal up until the off season when you can replace the valve. maybe add a little more packing and don't crank too hard but the only way to get that nut, especially since i think that valve it 50+ years old would be to salvage one from another valve or have a machinist make one.

    Intplm.
  • RTW
    RTW Member Posts: 267

    interesting topic, got a question: What would cause the metal valve nut to fracture in the first place? Was it user error or abuse or just a natural occurrence. Finding that out may prevent re-occurrence

    Regards

    RTW

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,867

    usually overtightening, they split somewhat easily if you just crank on them instead of fixing why they aren't sealing.

    RTWLarry Weingarten
  • Dsisson
    Dsisson Member Posts: 110

    I don't know why this one cracked. I don't think it was me, but it's possible that it was.

    What type of thread are they?

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 17,108

    If it was mine and couldn't figure out what thread that is, I'd pull the valve apart and tap the inside to whatever it'll work with and plug it.

    Just another idea..

    Matt's hose clamp idea could work too.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

    ethicalpaul
  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,267

    Remove the insulation and try and identify the manufacturer of the valve. Might be able to find the manufacturer who could send you a replacement, if available. i mean if its that much work to replace.

  • RTW
    RTW Member Posts: 267

    Try to get that part from this business in MA that restores Cast Iron radiators, just may have that part lying around in the shop

    Contact — making people warm... (HOME)

    Regards,

    RTW

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