Cast Iron Radiators

Sharkdog

I have a multi-tube radiator, which the third tube from the end is cracked. How hard would it be, to remove the first three tubes, then re-attached the first two good tubes {provided I do not damage them, when I take this apart}? Anybody know how these tubes are connecting together internally?

TK_2

Rad repair

It can be done, but it will probably not be easy. Radiator sections are usually connected using one of two ways:

1. using a push-nipple and held in place with a threaded rod.

2. Using a left-right threaded nipple.

The repair technique is different depending upon which you have. The picture is the push-nipple kind. Let me know which kind you have and I'll send further instructions.

- TK

Sharkdog

Thanks for the input.
I suppose I'll go with option 2, there are no tie rods holding the radiator together on the outside.

TK_2

Fixing radiators

Assuming option 2, the radiators are connected by a left-right threaded nipple. When this nipple is turned in one diretion, the sections will seperate.

The first task is to get access to these internal nipples. Starting at the end closest to the section you want to remove remove the plugs and/or bushings from the top and the bottom of the end section. I've posted an article on restoring antique radiators that shows how to do this:

http://fuge.port5.com/Radiator Rehab.html



If you now look inside the radiator you should be able to see the inside of the left-right nipple. There should be "ears" on it: internal ridges that allow it to be grabbed and turned.

You have a choice of removing each section in order or skipping straight to the section you want to replace. Since yours is only third from the end it is almost as easy to remove each section in turn.

You need some tool that will grab the inside ears of the left-right nipples. If you are going to remove each section in turn, an ordinary "spud" wrench may work (see the above article for a picture of a spud wrench). If not you need to have a tool made. It looks sort of like a street sign -- a metal rod about 1" in diameter and a couple of feet long with a head that is wider and has flats front and back. The head is sized to just slip through the nipple and the flats catch the ears when it is turned. The tool can be made by a machinest or a blacksmith. Perhaps someone knows a commecial source...

Now with your new tool, slip it inside the bottom of the radiator until it is between the sections you want to seperate. Apply heat. Turn the tool using a large pipe wrench (and probably a cheater) until you just get movement. It is impossible to say which way to turn it. Try it both clock-wise and counter-clockwise until you get it to move loser. Once you can move it, start to loosen the the upper section (it will turn the same ways as the lower section).

Now alternately loosen the upper and lower nipples until the sections seperate. Repeat on the other side of the broken sections.

To reassemble, put some pipe dope on the inside of the section threads and some tape on the threads (and a wrapping of cotton twine or hemp between the sections if you feel like it) and screw the sections back together.


-TK

TK_2

Fixing radiators

With a bit of searching, I found an old message on the same topic:

http://forums.invision.net/Thread.cfm?CFApp=2&&Message_ID=64766&_#Message64766

-TK