Siphon the coolant out of the radiator. Slice the hose one inch further away from the top radiator fitting. Slice the hose that is stuck on the upper radiator opening 90 degrees.
Just use a small flat head screw driver and pry it off. It also might help to heat it up with a heat gun (if you have one) but then there is the possibility of burning yourself. I don't think a hair dryer would get hot enough. If worse comes to worse, just cut it off. You can get a replacement off eBay for relatively cheap.
when they are stuck on, I usually just use a utility knife, that razer blade will cut through it nice and easy.
Any experienced mechanic knows to gently cut the hose off. As to why you are messing with these hoses without any knowledge nor experience, well, this has been know to make more damage and more costly repairs than to seek a mechanic for repairs. Specially puzzling for many is the servicing of the coolant fluid. The old liquid is toxic and cannot just be drained to the ground nor flushed down the toilet. What did you do with the coolant?
Keep working it in a circular motion until you can break it loose. If you are going to trash the hose, slice it with a razor knife and peal it off. Always wipe a dab of silicone grease in the (new) hose to make it seal good or you will forever be tightening hose clamps for dribbles.
There are various large picks available just for removing rad. hoses but, yeah, a small Phillips screwdriver will work in a pinch, stick it in between hose and nipple and work around the fitting till the hose comes loose.
Usually a twisting while pulling gets it done. May have to use large channel locks to twist. Be careful and not deform the radiator outlet during this action.
It's my first time replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses. Any tips or tricks on what to do when the hoses seem stuck on the metal connectors? Is it best to pry it off gently and take my time? I don't want to damage anything. What do I use? Flat head screw driver? WD40? Something else?
