Replacing Balancing Valves

fstedy_2

I have to replace the Balancing Valves on some very old radiators and I suspect that it will be very hard to remove the union stubs from them. I tried to get valves with coupling threads that will match up but they don't, the size and threads per inch are similar but they only screw on about 3/4 of a turn, so I have to remove the stubs.

You guys are great and any advise will be most appreciated.

fstedy

Ray Landry

Invest in a radiator spud wrench. It allows you to get a hold on the inside of 'spud' which is the short nipple in the radiator with the union nut on it. Believe it or not, they do come out after a few sprays of wd 40, and about 500 degrees of flame. ALso, every spud I've ever seen is brass, so since you have two different metals screwed together it makes it that much easier to loosen. If you still can't get the spud out, you can try doing a relief cut, which if your not a pro, may be a little bit risky. You take a sawzall w/ a metal blade, and make two cuts about a half inch apart from eachother into the spud. Then take a small flat head and pry the peice you've cut out, take a wrench to the spud and watch it crumble away. it'll spin right out w/out any problems now.

BTW every thread on a spud is different. You'll never match a new rad. vavle to an old one

fstedy_2

Thanks for the info Ray. I figured that heat would help but I didn't think of the WD 40 and I already made a spud wrench. Just wanted a second opinion from a pro before I open the system up to avoid any problems. Thanks again!!!

fstedy

tombig

Spuds

If you twist off the tits in the spud, break off the union nut with a cold chisel or saw and use a pipe wrench on the fitting.

Empire_2

tabs break off

After removing the union and using the pipe wrench, you will notice that the brass will collaps. Dont worry just move to the remaining portion that has not yet collapsed. Sometimes you will get a fitting that will not move before destroying it. So Pray and if it is destroyed, get a fine tooth saw slowley cut 1 slit in the brass fitting. You will reach the threads on the radiator, but once you are That close, you have to peane.. the round so that you can close the fitting. This will loosen it for removal.. VERY TIME CONSUMING..... Good Luck....

Mark J Strawcutter

good spud wrench

Best spud wrenches (aka spud key) I've seen are the individually-sized ones made by Pasco. They contact the entire length of the ridges inside the spud.

I've also found PB-Blaster works better than WD40.

Mark