Radiator Repair

Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating · July 2006

I have sealed 2 radiators simply by putting salt where it is leaking between the sections, without taking apart the radiators. One radiator was forced hot water, and that leak has been sealed for years now. An old timer showed me that trick. Bob Gagnon

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Jamie Hall · July 2006

Drippy radiator

As some of you may remember, I have a lovely vapour steam heating system -- works fine, and I wouldn't change for the world. However...

There are a couple of radiators which leak. I would like to keep the old ones, as they fit their locations and I can't get new ones the same size and pattern (yes, I've looked!).

And I wonder. I don't know whether the old ones are the type with a tapered nipple between sections, or just a machined fit. However, assuming I can get them apart without destroying them, has anyone any experience in cleaning up the mating surfaces and using a liquid high temperature gasket material, such as the RTV silicones used in automotive engines, to re seal them?

Or any other suggestions?

Jamie

Brad White_9 · July 2006

I like the RTV idea...

That red gasket stuff for automotive gaskets I would think would stand up to the temperatures and thermal cycling. No direct experience, just the nature of the application and similarities between the two. The material would absorb any tolerances from the ground push nipples I would think.

Definitely worth a try!

If Steamhead, Mad Dog or others chime in, I would defer to them in a heart-beat.

My $0.02

Jamie Hall · July 2006

Thank you! I'll give it a try, and let you all know how it worked...

Radiator Repair

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