I have hot water heat with the old cast-iron radiators -- probably about 80 yrs old. The heat works fine but I would like to decrease the heat supply to a couple rooms upstairs that tend to be overheated. I have tried adjusting the valves on these radiators and, after scraping off the paint, applying penetrating oil, and loosening the big (7/8ths) nut that fits over the valve shaft, I still can't get them to turn more than a half-turn or so, not enough to have much impact on how hot the radiator gets. The valves are built into a 90-degree bend that connects the pipe coming out of the floor to the radiator. I could just wait until summer, then partly drain the system and take the valves apart, but I thought I would see if anyone has any tricks to try or if I am missing something. Thanks.
- posted
19 years ago