a few (simple I hope) heating questions

[tryps]

First, we are approaching our second winter season in an older house. THe top two floors are heated by a gas hot water boiler. I have, until today, neglected to bleed the system. I started on the only third floor radiator. The air kept coming and eventually slowed almost to a stop. I close this one and moved to the radiator directly below on the second floor. This radiator hissed air for a few seconds and I got water. The remainder of the rediators on the second floor were fine. I bled the third floor some more but again, never got any water. I beleive the home inspector told me as I moved in that the system would fill itself but am not certain about this. Is there anything I can do to tell if there is sufficient water in the system?

Does the hotwater in this system run in serial? (I assume no) Will shutting off a single radiator prevent flow throughout the system? (again I believe not)

Finally, the pump on my boiler has a note to lubricate the pump and motor bearings with 1/8 oz of 'lubricating oil' once per season. Can I use motor oil for this or is there a more appropriate lubricant?

Sorry for the long message. Thanks in advance for any who read and repond th this.

 

[kevplumb]

this is basically a uk forum so the bit about the pump ???? we dont oil ours
however the bit about the rads would tend to suggest your head tank is empty
i assume open vented system ?

 

[tryps]

no, it is a closed system.
I hope that I am not in bad form to post to a UK forum. I kinda of assumed the machanics work wherever.
I suspect that the previous owners had also neglected to bleed the radiators and that this one was totally empty as a result. I think the third floor room would get warm enough even if it lacked a radiator so no one might have noticed that it wasn't heating properly.

 

[kevplumb]

your definition of a closed system i assume is our def of sealed system
so there should be a filling point somewhere and a pressure guage?
bear with me the last time i was talking to somebody from your side of the pond i inadvertantly insulted her
dont want to go down that road again

 

[tryps]

Have no worries about insulting me, my wife does that plenty and I am quite thick skinned.
As far as a filling point, there is a water line flowing into the boiler and a confusing loop of pipes running out of the boiler in between the pump, and expansion tank. There are valves aplenty in this system.

oh and I wish to thank you for responding kevplumb. I find the internet wonderful for help my ever growing list of questions. I have had trouble finding information about my heatiing so I really appreciate someone knowledgeable to give me advice.

 

[kevplumb]

no problem you have a problem throw a post in we try to help