broken radiator valve

chilly

well of course the weekend, came and went and I'm no closer to removing the broken vent. I may just call a professional since I don't want to buy a new radiator!

thanks for the information

chilly

broken radiator vent

I had some remodeling done and the guys had to move a radiator and when they put it back I noticed they were carrying it by the vent and now I notice that it's broken. I can't unscrew it since the adjustable silver part broke off the stem. How can I get the stem out to put in a new vent?

Big Ed

Broken Vent

If somthing can be grabed I would use a 4"-6" pipe wrench or a good small set of pumps.

Not enough to grab and a thin nipple,I would try to fold it in and colapse the nipple.

Or cut the inside of the nipple down to the beginnig of the threads at several points to cave it in.

Steamhead (in transit)

You could also

try an EZ-out. If nothing else works, drill it out and run a 1/8" pipe-thread tap into the threads to clean them out.

chilly

broken vent

you guys make it sound easy!

I'll give it a try, I was just worried about not being able to get a new vent screwed in if I damaged the threads.

thanks for the help

Big Ed

Tap

Easy? Sometimes.....Carefull yes.


Yes you need to buy a 1/8" pipe tap to clean threads.Use in future to clean threads when replacing bad vents.



P.S.......Don't use oil !!

Keith_11

These guys are making it overly complicated. . . go to an auto parts store and get a screw extractor. Tell the guy at the counter exactly what you're using it for, and that it must tapered so that you can get a good fit in an eighth inch hole. It has a square base so that you can grip it with a regular adjustable wrench. Hammer it into the hole, and turn it counterclockwise to try to loosen the broken thread. If you want to go to a plumbing supply, you'll pay a little more to get an "E-Z Out" which is specifically made for this purpose. If you get a pipe tap, make sure it is "1/8th inch NPT (national pipe thread)", which means it has tapered pipe threads instead of straight threads, like what would be used on a nut and bolt. Don't treat the radiator like a swiss watch, it can take a little force, but you do run the risk of breaking it if you hit it too hard - it's made out of cast-iron, which is brittle. Take it easy and you'll be fine.

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bob young

no easy out

after you crack the radiator with the easy-out [ which is almost gauranteed. ] you can go & buy a new radiator of your choice.

Guy_6

out

If there is some of the stem protruding from the radiator, you might be able to cut a slot into it with a hacksaw, and extract it with a screwdriver. It all depends on whats left of the valve.

GW

Jim Bennett

Complicated?

It doesn't look like anyone has made it sound to complicated. You just need to approach it with some caution. It's an 1/8 " brass stem threaded into a cast base. It WILL come out. Just be careful and if you are not sure call a professional. Once you do this a few times it can be a piece of cake. But there is a learning curve to any undertaking.

Good luck,

Jim

chilly

broken radiator valve

just wanted to say thanks for all the advice/help.

I finally got to work on the vent yesterday. I tried to unscrew it and the vent came off of the stem like a broken tin can. It snapped off the 1/8" stem all of which was intact, very easy to get out with a pair of pliers.

I installed a new vent and it it works like a charm.

thanks again