Rust coloured leak from radiator

[Alan12]

Hi all,
I have noticed a rust coloured liquid leaking intermittently from one of my radiators.
Seems to be from near the radiator valve but not directly under it. I cleaned the area in the radiator itself yesterday (the photo with my face partly in it) but the rust colour has come back which makes me think it might be the radiator itself ?
I was wondering if anyone here had any suggestions of causes and how to fix? Should I change the valve or is it likely a leak in the radiator itself?

 

[denso13]

Looks like the thread on the valve tail that's leaking. Would need to remove it from the radiator, retape it and refit.

 

[oldbuffer]

It is likely to be one of two things:
1. The piece which connects the valve to the radiator (called a tail) is leaking where it screws into the radiator. Proceed per denso13 above. Note that you will have to drain the system to remove and refit the tail. There are ways of avoiding a drain down, but I'd suggest they are for the more experienced.
2. The nut (large, chrome plated) which joins the valve to the tail. You could try tightening this nut up slightly. In your first photo (...3890.jpeg), spanner number 1 on nut, hold the valve steady with another spanner, push the handle of spanner 1 down. No more than 1/4 turn.

 

[terryplumb]

As well as the points noted above ,there also appears to be staining on the end panel of the radiator. The bleed valve ( or blanking cap ) at the top of the rad may be leaking.

 

[Alan12]

Yes I cleaned the staining on the end panel yesterday and it’s back today

As well as the points noted above ,there also appears to be staining on the end panel of the radiator. The bleed valve ( or blanking cap ) at the top of the rad may be leaking.

 

[terryplumb]

Show us pictures of the bleed valve / blank plug and full end panel.

 

[Alan12]

Here’s the bleed valve.
I’ve marked in red the area I cleaned yesterday (img 3876) which had come back today (img 3891)

 

[terryplumb]

Looks like at the very least need to strip out the radiators bleed valve ,and valve tails and re dress the radiator. If finances allow ,consider a new radiator and valves.