Rad Valve Stem Leak

[Stefran61]

Have a leak in a sraight through rad valve stem. I have removed cover hoping to reveal the glad nut, however there is no gland nut, just a circlip holding the stem in place.
My question is are these type of valve repairable, if so how and do I need to drain down?

 

[Burnerman]

There's an 'o' ring on the shaft on these...whether you can get a replacement or not is debatable.
Best to fit a new valve, really - but the leak may be less if the valve is fully on....or fully off, naturally!
John

 

[Stefran61]

Thanks Burnerman that was swift!
I am assuming to replace the 'o' ring would require removal of circlip, and removing the stem from body. Will this require the draining down of system, if so I will just replace the valves.

 

[Burnerman]

Alas, it means a drain down, really so a valve replacement is probably better. If you can find a valve that is identical, then you probably won't have to replace the tail - thats the bit that screws into the rad and comes with the new valve.
If your boiler is a combi, you can do the job by depressurising it - and if you turn the other side of the radiator off, water loss is minimal.
Beware, the water that may escape could well be inky black, so watch those carpets or your days are numbered
John

 

[Stefran61]

As I suspected.
The valves are on towel rail of a friend, they have recently had the floor tiled and only left about 5mm play below nut, not enough to undo valve nuts fully, so I will have to remove the complete rail to get valves off. Not sure about the system but would put my money on a 'vented'. I have removed several rads before and will be ready for the dreaded sludge!
Thanks again for your help.