reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com

This information can clarify and help answer some questions.
Radiator problems: The familiar hammering sound of hot-water radiators happens because of trapped air; for steam heated radiators, it's that an inlet valve is partly closed or there is trapped water in the system.
No heat in the system could be from a lack of power, low water, burner malfunction or a broken thermostat. Too much heat could come from a defective thermostat.
-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic