WD40 on TRV pin or not?

[andy_nufc]

Hi folks,
I've seen a lot of mixed messages on this. Is WD40 ok for having a go at loosening the jammed pin on a TRV valve (I mean on the part attached to the radiator, not the removable head)? I've heard some things about damaging the seals but some people say it is fine. If WD40 is no good, would GT85 be ok?
Cheers,
Andy

 

[Mr diy a lot.]

It’s fine! It’s a lots of hysterical b**locks that wd40 will damage the seal.

 

[gas112]

it wont work though as its the valve seating that has stuck, tap the pin or give the valve body few taps

 

[Mottie]

I always leave my TRV's on max when the heating system is not being used to prevent sticking.

 

[45yearsagasman]

As 112 said, it's the internal components that are seized, not the pin.

 

[ericmark]

I here my TRV's exercising the pins at 12 mid day every Saturday, it must use a little battery to do this, but not had any pins sticking. I would think the valve uses some natural way to ensure it does not wear or stick, and likely each make uses what their designer thought was the best option, and likely this has changed over the years. The traditional impregnated string used to stuff glands would have the grease or tallow washed out using any solvent, but it is unlikely any valve uses that today.

 

[winston1]

WD40 is not really a lubricant. It is a "water displacement fluid version 40".

 

[andy_nufc]

WD40 is not really a lubricant. It is a "water displacement fluid version 40".

Indeed, which is why I use GT85 on my bike chain rather than WD40. But there are many videos on Youtube of using WD40 to this effect, and indeed they even make this suggestion on their own website.

 

[Mottie]

Indeed, which is why I use GT85 on my bike chain rather than WD40. But there are many videos on Youtube of using WD40 to this effect, and indeed they even make this suggestion on their own website.

I think what people get confused with is the fact that it used to be a Water Displacement fluid (the 40th version tried) but nowdays WD40 is a BRAND. They make all sorts of fluids, not just one. Perhaps you should give this particular WD40 formula a try on your bike chain.

 

[not much longer]

Indeed, which is why I use GT85 on my bike chain rather than WD40. But there are many videos on Youtube of using WD40 to this effect, and indeed they even make this suggestion on their own website.

Wouldn't recommend WD40...I left a Worcester filing key in the bottom of my toolbar, with a can of WD40, the can went off spraying the O ring on the key...some days later...picked up the key..the O ring had expanded to 4 times it's size ..would recommend some thing else..

 

[Rodders53]

+1 Most such valves have o ring seals.
WD40 (or any other brand) petroleum-based lubricant make the "rubber" o rings swell and fail.

Other WD40 branded lubricant products are probably OK... silicone, ptfe, graphite...

As to whether they will help to unstick the seized part is open to debate.

 

[Johntheo5]

I here my TRV's exercising the pins at 12 mid day every Saturday, it must use a little battery to do this, but not had any pins sticking. I would think the valve uses some natural way to ensure it does not wear or stick, and likely each make uses what their designer thought was the best option, and likely this has changed over the years. The traditional impregnated string used to stuff glands would have the grease or tallow washed out using any solvent, but it is unlikely any valve uses that today.

Eric, I think you may have the body of a TRV but the actuator is not thermostatic?, the actuator is just a motorized valve that opens/closes based on the temperature it transmits to a central controller every 4 minutes or so, like Evohome??.

 

[Scally-Ho]

I only recommend a lubricant based on PTFE, be it a spray or a grease, with a preference for a grease. More modern valves rely on 'O' ring seals as against a stuffing box type of gland, so steer clear from water displacement sprays.

 

[johnny2007]

Indeed, which is why I use GT85 on my bike chain rather than WD40. But there are many videos on Youtube of using WD40 to this effect, and indeed they even make this suggestion on their own website.

I also use GT85 on my bike chain every ride.
Less grime sticks to it and a can goes a long way.
Cheaper too.

 

[ericmark]

Eric, I think you may have the body of a TRV but the actuator is not thermostatic?, the actuator is just a motorized valve that opens/closes based on the temperature it transmits to a central controller every 4 minutes or so, like Evohome??.

The 5 eQ-3 heads do not connect to a base, the Energenie, Kasa and Wiser do, but they measure the temperature of the room.