Pipe couplings

[LongJohn01]

Hi I've got some old aluminium pipes I want to change couplings on. They look like old southern cross couplings. Does anyone have any tips on how to get these off without damaging the ends of the pipes.

 

[moriboy]

I would use a torch a put some heat on threads before trying to loosen them up.

 

[GLyford]

Looks like it's the same idea as the push-on quick connect fuel lines that Ford uses...grab a pop can, and cut a strip of aluminum, wrap it around the pipe next to the fitting, then slide it sideways into the fitting to release the spring? I would think heat might melt the plastic inside.

 

[LD1]

Hard to get a reference of just how big of a pipe that is.

Is that a close up pic of a 2" pipe? or is that a 10" pipe?

My method of attack would be totally different between a 2-3" pipe vs a 8-12" pipe