Posted by jtown on November 14, 2001 at 19:18:11:
In Reply to: steam radiators and valves posted by Tim on November 14, 2001 at 16:36:20:
With single pipe steam the valve should open fully all of the time. If the stem is leaking look for packing post a few ago if you don't know how. Your best off leaving them right where they were planted and refinish, etc. The valves are most likely soft brass and bend easily. To get the bonnet loose - heat the outer part, back and forth with a torch to expand, cool the inner part with a wet rag to shrink. Apply a beeswax candle (crafts store) to both sides of joint, repeat and then heat/cool, 10 Hail Marys and 3 Our Fathers and try wrench, then your bonnet will be off.