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Removing valve plug on cast iron radiator

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branimal
branimal Member Posts: 295
edited April 28 in Strictly Steam

I have a radiator where the vent hole is on the same side as the valve opening. And the vent hole is in the wrong location (near the top instead of 1/3 of the way up from bottom). From what I recall, it heated up ok. Maybe not 100% but it did the job and my radiators will be a backup heat source. MAin heat will be from heat pumps.

I am not going try to drill the vent boss on the opposite side. I am batting 0.500 on that procedure. 2 situations where I ruined the radiator. Cracked thru the column.

So I could attempt to remove the plug using mapp gas, PB Blaster and cheater bars. I've cut out bushings from radiators valve openings in the past, but never removed a plug with a sawzall.

Is there a good procedure to remove the plug, or is this a "LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE" situation?

IMG_6437.JPG IMG_6439.JPG

Comments

  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,537

    You can dill and tap a vent hole on that flat side , 1/3 from the bottom, Plug and seal the other hole .. We are talking steam..

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

    branimalkcopp
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,274

    From what I recall, it heated up ok. Maybe not 100% but it did the job and my radiators will be a backup heat source

    Then leave it alone. I don't take risks when there is very little to gain. You take risks when there is a lot to gain.

    ethicalpaul
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,688

    You could hire someone to tap it out for you.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 7,118

    So I could attempt to remove the plug using mapp gas, PB Blaster and cheater bars. I've cut out bushings from radiators valve openings in the past, but never removed a plug with a sawzall.

    That's about how we all learned……….By mistakes. Try drilling and taping. Worst that happens is you have to get a replacement radiator.

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