Radiators may need flushing..or?

tmw

Hi,

I have a 30's Arco Model K vapor system. It's worked well since it was properly vented and adjusted by Steamhead and Gordo perhaps 15 years ago.

System always cycles off on temperature. Pressure stays at a max of about 3.5 ounces.

I would say that 12 out of the 16 radiators in this house remain cool at the lower half. And this is with orifices and valve stems wide open.

Any idea of why my lower halves remain cool?

The three Gorton #2's at the end of the system (sorry I forgot what it's called) always remain open.

So..I am always able to get the house to a comfortable temperature. But when I crank up the temp as an experiment, say to 76 degrees, and the radiators remain cool on the bottom isn't this abnormal?

I'm concerned from the standpoint of efficiency.

Note: 15 years ago I rebuilt all the old valves in the system. Now, a bunch of them are failing again and I am replacing them with Mepco SWRF-B's that have an adjustable orifice..

This radiator was recently removed, sandblasted and painted as it is going into a re-modeled kitchen. It will be removed again while the kitchen remodel is finished. Just wanted to re-fit it with new valve to make sure it works OK..

thanks,

Todd

Jamie Hall

The question isn't whether the radiators heat to the bottom — they often don't — but is whether the spaces are warm enough. Radiators are often bigger than really needed for the space…

But if the heat is even, or the way you like it… not to worry.

Captain Who

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1890850#Comment_1890850

But then why when they jack the thermostat up to a high level do they still not completely fill with steam and stay stuck at that same partial fill at the top?

@tmw is this how it worked even 15 years ago after it was worked on, regarding the partial fill on the radiators, and also regarding the Gorton #2 vents never closing?

kcopp

Looking from the windows they look to be newer replacements.

You have also does some weatherization too I bet…

System was designed to work w/ a less "tight" house.

if you are comfortable dont sweat it.

neilc

maybe you need to dial down on the adjustable orifii, and give steam more time to fill the rad, before hitting the trap, wide open may not be your best fill rate,

or, are other traps elsewhere passing steam and closing the 1/2 full rads from the return?

Steamhead

@tmw , glad to hear it's been working well. This is at "Knockbawn", right?