Need help balancing convector radiators

finestructure · October 17

I'm trying to use the Balancing Steam Systems guide by Gerry and Steve to rebalance my house. I have mostly Arco convectors and two Sunrad convectors (see pics).

In short, bought this house a year ago and discovered someone changed a bunch of the air vents to Gorton D's, left the rest original (various Dole's, 1933 etc). Two main lines are vented with Gorton #1's (both a little over 40 ft long). Those radiators are filling before the main lines fill up, hence the uneven heating.

I need to figure out the amount of air in each radiator, and I would like to confirm that these both fall under the "Cast-iron convector (in cabinet)" type, which is listed at .0003 cu ft per sq ft EDR. Is this the case?

Also, I can figure out the EDR of the Arco convectors (5 5/8" width, 24" tall cabinet, various lengths), I found the chart. I do not have a chart for the Sunrad convectors, which are both 36" long, 20" tall, and 5" wide. What should I factor for EDR for these?

Lastly, is it worth it to upgrade the main vents to Gorton 2's?

Steamhead · October 17

I'd upgrade the main vents to Gorton #2 before you do anything else. Then work on your convectors.

finestructure · October 18

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1906766#Comment_1906766

Thank you for the input. Currently, my Gorton 1's are not elevated above the main pipe (see pic). Thinking to extend the piping to get some vertical clearance, but I'm tight on space.

Considering installing a Big Mouth, since its shorter and has better venting capacity, but worried about condensate reaching it. I can get about 6-7" of clearance with Big Mouth, about 4-5" with the Gorton 2.

Would love to just swap to Big Mouths without elevating, given my space constraints, but from what I gather that may not be too smart. Worth noting, doesn't look like I've had any water leakage from the Gorton 1's as they are, not sure if that makes a difference.

Any thoughts, which would you go for? Again, each main line is 2" at about 40-42 ft (not including header piping, just from where they split off).

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Steamhead · October 19

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1906819#Comment_1906819

The #2 comes with its own short piece of pipe built in. It will give you a bit of extra height if needed. I've installed them without pipe extensions without any issues.

Need help balancing convector radiators

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