Difficult pump change

[livingstoned]

I have to try to change a pump which is hard to access. I mentioned it in another thread, it's behind a HW cyl where it's lurked for 42 years
I got a crowfoot spanner on the nearer pump nut (2 1/16th inch) but of course the pump started to turn.
I don't think I could manipulate two of them (I have three...) to hold it still,

No chance of using normal spanners or grips, but I can access both the 22mm compression nuts as well - crow foot spanner on the rear one, arrowed, but there would be no movement in the pipes so I'd have to cut the pipe, to get the pump out

I wondered about splitting the pump nuts. I can just reach with a small hacksaw to cut into them. I've heard of people doing this but never tried it. If I put a sharp cold chisel in the sawcut and hit it, are they likely to come off?

The rear pump nut is harder - not just any old spanner to reach in to that.

 

[muggles]

Wouldn't it be easier to just take the cylinder out?

But yes replacement pump nuts are available so splitting them is a good option

 

[kidgreen61]

If you're going to take the cylinder out, I'd reposition the pump at the same time for future ease of access.

 

[Stuckinarut]

Surely repositioning the pump is quickest option if possible?

 

[livingstoned]

Wouldn't it be easier to just take the cylinder out?

That was a thought but it's not very appealing.
The cyl would also be a pig to get out. There's nowhere to put it - it's in a multi purpose room which is full. And we'd lose HW for the duration. I'm old/arthritic/fibromyalgia (which I used to think was al in the mind) so it would take me some time, to be without HW.

I used to do some plumbing, never split a nut though. not much to lose I guess.
In summer we'll probably go for a combi but if not, the pump can stay where it is. If the next one lasts 42 years as well, I'll be 111 yrs old.

Surely repositioning the pump is quickest option if possible?

So, reposition the pump before I remove it?

 

[Stuckinarut]

So, reposition the pump before I remove it?

Sort of. What I mean is, if possible, work out a new accessible location for the pump and fit the new one there, and alter pipework underneath from old pump

 

[Mottie]

That looks a right pig of a job! I know it will be aggro but surely it could all be done in one day of you took the cylinder out and repositioned the new one so it’s not like you’ll be without hot water for long. You may have been lucky - I doubt a new one will last another 42 years. May be a silly question but can it be left in place for water to just flow through and a new pump fitted in an easier location?