Steam Radiator hot along TOP

Jeff_32

I have a one-pipe steam system. Rads in the house are original, 1904 scroll-topped, three-column style. However, two (one on the first floor and one on the second floor) were "replaced" during the 1950's with the TUBE type used in hot water. Vents are placed on the lower half of the radiators, two Gorton #1 steam main vents working fine, pressure runs between .5 and 1.5 psi. The problem is the darn turb-types only heat across the TOP..all the way...but stay cold along the bottom halves. All other rads in the house heat great...all the way across on a very cold day...and all the way to the floor! What can possibly be the problem. I even have vents on them with the quickets venting rates I could find. I am dying to replace these with original style column...scroll-topped, steam-type, but having trouble locating "new" ones in NJ. What can I do NOW to resolve their problem?

Kay

Antique Radiators

Can't help you with your problem, but see the "Community Bulletin Board" at the bottom of the subject page for some replacements.

Unknown

Look for...

Radiators that have only bottom connections between the sections, in these the steam moves from section to section through the bottom, and the lighter steam displaces the heavy air completely in a section as it moves along.

Radiators connected top and bottom will fill from the supply connection up the first section, across the top connections and down to the vent, leaving all the rest of it full of cold air.

Noel

Jeff_17

I knew there was a reason ...

the old steam tye worked better than the ones they replaced in the 50's. Plus the old ones are GORGEOUS to look at. Thanks for the advice!!!!

Dale

vents

The quick venting may be part of your problem. If the vents are adjustable have you tried slowing them down as much as possible? You may be getting the air out of the top so quickly that's all that gets steam. The other thing I would try is to move the vent down as low as possible on the rad end to let the steam take it's time to force the air down.

Jeff_17

I have tried...

changing vent sizes and vents Makes....nothing has worked....

And the vent is on the lowest part of the rad.