Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Radiator plug

17 November 2013

Re: [DIY] Radiator plug

Apply the heat very slowly as sudden temperature differences can cause cast iron to crack. I was not aware that new cast iron radiators were readily available, are you sure it is not a rebuilt version? There were several companies that supposedly took them apart and reassembled after having first soaked the old unit in a hot acid bath to loosen the internal connections.

Dale in the Flatlands. "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous."

Frank Ruggiero wrote:

Funny thing is this a new radiator. I will try a torch like you said and see what happens. I've never felt and screw in this tight. Someone told me that the radiator may have been built a couple of years ago, lying around and the screw became seized inside. Very frustrating as the whole job went smooth until this point.

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On Nov 17, 2013, at 9:01 AM, Dale S <dalu@hbcomm.net> wrote:

The radiator is cast iron and the plug is in all probability steel, so if you drill the plug it will probably not crumble. If you can use a torch to apply heat to the cast causing it to expand and then use penetrating oil you can get it loose but it will take patience. Once you drill the plug you are committed to either removal or tapping, and will almost certainly damage the threads. Depending on how long the radiator has been out of service there is also a good chance that all of the paper gaskets have dried out and that it will leak.

Dale in the Flatlands. "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous."
Frank Ruggiero wrote:

Do you think it is feasible to drill it out? I just can't get it to budge. If I drilled through it, would the outside of the screw crumble around the center?

I don't want to ruin the threads because I need to screw a valve in where the hex screw is.

I don't even understand why they plug it up. It is so frustrating.

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On Nov 16, 2013, at 7:06 PM, Dale S <dalu@hbcomm.net> wrote:

Try tapping on the end of the plug as you apply pressure with the wrench. It sometimes works to try tightening and then loosening until the rust bond is broken. If you can build a clay dam around the plug and fill with turpentine you might be able to get it loose after it soaks for a day or two.

Dale in the Flatlands. "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous."
Frank Ruggiero wrote:

Hi Plumbers.

Can anyone advise? I'm trying to install a new freestanding radiator. I have an issue. I am trying to remove the plug that has been inserted where I wish to place my air intake valve. The radiator was delivered with the plug inserted and I am having no luck removing it. I am afraid I will strip it. I'm trying liquid wrench and no luck.

Has anybody ever had this issue. It's so frustrating. Will this need to be drilled out?

Thanks for your help.

Frank

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