Need help from someone who has first-hand experience doing this. I have the "pump assembly" removed & have removed the four (4) steel rods. Cannot tell if pump cases should crack open at this point OR, if the large brass, square-head pipe plugs over the two round "side pipes" have to be removed first. Are the "side pipes" threaded ? Any do's or don't ? I know this field has been plowed in older posts but, they didn't answer my question. Any help would be appreciated. If responder would be willing to provide a phone number, I sure would like to call to discuss if that's not a problem. THANKS...I'm new at this...if you hadn't guessed.

I've done one of these. There is a sealant around the top and bottom of the brass tank. I used kerosene to soften it up and scrape it out over several days.
If you managed to save the four rods and nuts- put them back in but install the nuts so you will actually use the four rods as spreaders to seperate the top and bottom castings from the brass tank. Go slow tighten the nuts just a little each day, tap with a rubber mallet, keep scraping out the sealant. The two pipes on each side of the tank are just fitted in the grooves and aren't threaded.

THANKS SO MUCH for your info !! I really appreaciate it. I've seen your restoration on-line...really nice. Your pump is exactly like the one I'm doing now. I have two...a T-176 "Small Door" and a T-176 "Long Door". The pump mechanism re-build I'm doing now is from the "long door". It has a "3" embossed on the uper pump case. The "small door" one has a "2" embossed on it. I'll do the "2" later. I will follow your directions as to "spreading" the cases. My rods & nuts are good. Do you have any advice as to which of these pumps might be the oldest ? Also, would you be agreeable to providing me a phone # where I can call you for more advise ? I sure would appreaciate it.....THANKS from TEXAS !! Steve Knight / (817)320-8372.