Harold, I appreciate your prompt response. I hope you did not read my last message as sarcastic; it was quite the opposite. You are obviously the expert here, and your advice to be careful or delicate last time was quite clear; I'm just a boob trying to fix things I know nothing about. I do not know where you are located, but I am based in Manhattan - could you recommend a plumber in the area who can help me with this next repair? I'm afraid it's a little too much for me. Also, do you have an idea what a new iron radiator would cost, should this be unrepairable?