Strategy for Intake Crossover Pipe Removal

[Ken300D]

The engine compartment picture below is typical of several I've seen on the web. Note the obvious replacement crossover pipe. My assumption is that the original was broken somehow during removal. Is that a reasonable assumption? Where is it most likely to break?

If such breakage is a possibility, I'd be interested in any experence or suggestions on how to successfully remove the crossover so that it can be reused. The plan is to change out all the glow plugs in my '87 300D before winter.

Ken300D