close both rad valves (IMPORTANT:count turns of valve on lock shield side) the get a low tray under one of the valves, and very slowly undo the valve at the radiator, not all the way,
just until you get a small flow of water, when the tray fills, lock it again and empty, repeat process until all water has stopped, then open the radiator air-bleed and expect more water, keep going until empty.
You will need to have some kind of floor protection down, as you will get some black sludge dripping when you move the rad.
When fully empty, undo both valves from either side of rad and lift it clear. (have something at hand to stopper both ends, rag will do) when you have it off you may aswell bring it outside and use your garden hose to flush it out)
Relpace in reverse order, the open valves returning lock shield side back to original position (important!) and bleed of air for bleed valve until rad has filled, make sure to check your boiler system pressure as this will have dropped, use filling loop to repressure to 1-1.5 bar when cold, good idea to maybe bleed all rads after doing this.
Advice, take is slowly, it is easy to do, and ALWAYS spend a bit of time checking for leaks at the rad once it has been replaced and refilled......good luck
T, May 2008
