Radiator Valve Stem

[lpollsnoop]

I have a very old radiator and the packing nut on the valve stem
has cracked.
(Impossible to find a replacement - very odd size)
I have decided the easiest repair would be to seal the valve stem
leaving the valve in the open position.
What is the best type of sealant - Epoxy - Solder ?
I found something used to form gaskets on auto engines - might this work?

[Andrew]

It might be just as easy to replace the valve itself. Do a search on this board, as someone else was recently walked through the proceedure.
Good luck!

[lpollsnoop]

Hi Andy - thanks for the reply

I've changed a few valves on radiators in this 80 year old
7 family house and it's never an easy job.
I don't have enough clearance to install a new valve - the stem
(even fully closed) hits the floor as there have been multiple layers of
tiles installed over the original wood floors.
If it comes to replacing the valve I'll either have to dis-assemble the new valve
or gouge a channel in the floor to get enough clearance.

I packed the stem today with some 'steel' epoxy but I don't know if
it will stand up to the +200F of the heating system - time till tell.