Removing upper radiator hose
 

All I wanted to do is install a pair of Robert Shewman's thermostats. Easy job. Right? well not if you can't remove the upper end of the hose from the radiator. It seems that I need to remove the entire hose but the bottom end is stuck to the water pump.

Any ideas other than cutting the hoses and installing new ones?

Re: Removing upper radiator hose
 

They make a special tool for that; it looks like an awl with the last 1 inch or so bent at a 90° angle. They're not a perfect solution, but they work in most caes.

Re: Removing upper radiator hose
 

Re: Removing upper radiator hose
 

I usually take an arc joint pliers and try to twist the hose to loosen it.

Re: Removing upper radiator hose
 

If you can open up one point on the hose to water pump, spray some PB blaster or WD40 in and let it work a bit. Open up a little more, more spray, etc. and you can probably get it off with a little prying and twisting on the hose.

Re: Removing upper radiator hose
 

You are referring to a cotter pin removal tool I believe. They are made "special" for removing cotter pins. However, they work well for breaking any "seal" at a hose fitting.
Petehoovie has posted a photo of one.

Re: Removing upper radiator hose
 

Great for window gaskets.
Bruce