Circulation direction in radiator system

Yeah, the "stop leak" stuff is a bunch of small particles that are supposed to clog and block any small holes to the outside world. There's no worry about blocking the thermostat because that's a *big* opening when it's open. Nor do you care about the thermostat not quite closing properly because it has a deliberate bypass passage so there's always some coolant flowing anyway.

On the other hand, solenoid valves sometimes have very small pilot valves (that switch water pressure that then opens the main valve). You wouldn't want to block that or the valve might not open. Nor would you want the main valve to leak when it's supposed to be off, since that might mean heat in a room that is already warm enough.

Dave

Reply to
Dave Martindale
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The expansion tank is brand new. I keep the feed valve closed and have always done so. I will get back to you. I need to let another day or two go by to allow the pressure to drop if it's going to.

Reply to
coustanis

Read this posted by hvacmedic a few days ago. It is part of a thread from your original ost.

In retrospect, I think you said that you only had problems when the valve was closed. In that case, what I went over above is why you had problems before, i.e. with the valve closed. The valve is supposed to be open, so you didn't do anything special to your system, you only set it back the way it was supposed to be. Pardon the oversight.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

Ok. You lost me on all that. Let me read it a few times and think.

Reply to
coustanis

I condensed it for you. It is very possible you do not have a leak. Try running the heat (if you live in a cool enough place) for a couple of days and leave the feed water valve open.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

Can I run the circulator pump with a loop capped off? Other rooms loops are still intact, so probably. Also, I believe I need to make sure the expansion tank pressure is about equal to the boiler pressure. That shouldn't be a problem, I guess. Just release or pump in air to about 12 pounds. No one has mentioned this possible scenario to me. Have been getting told it is a leak. If I leave the feed valve open and there is a leak, won't it just keep feeding in water and never allow the pressure to drop. That is why I was told to keep it closed. I also wouldn't know how far to open the valve (slider lever thingie). I tried that once a few weeks ago - opened it just a crack and the pressure was headed merrily up to the high 20's or low 30's. I shut it back off so the safety valve wouldn't blow. I may be getting in over my head at this point but I'd like to keep trying. If you keep talking, I'll keep listening.

Reply to
coustanis

So you're telling me that air air in the expansion tank will diffuse into the water? I thought it was contained in a rubber bladder. I couldn't measure the amount of water I had to add every few days but I would estimate around a quart or so. Maybe more. Hard to tell. Not only do I feel like I've been barking up the wrong tree but I'm in the wrong damn forest.

Reply to
coustanis

I do know that if I run the system with the feed closed, I do get some air in the system. I had a leak in the packing of hte feed valve and kept it closed and after time, air was gurgling. Replaced valve, left it open, a day or so later, noise was gone.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

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