It is common to have difficulty removing the intake manifold side of the upper radiator hose because the clamp is inaccessible. Sometimes the clamp release (in the event of a squeeze clamp) or the worm screw is twisted away from the top of the engine out of reach.

If the hose is bad you may wish to consider just cutting the clamp off to save the time and hassle of removing the A/C compressor to get at the clamp.

Grab yourself a bare hacksaw blade and wrap one end with duct tape to protect your fingers. Run the blade back and forth through the clamp and cut it off, stopping when you get to the hose so as not to damage the manifold coolant neck.

When you put your replacement hose back on you can position the new clamp screw facing up so you can get to it easily next time.

 

A sawzall with a metal blade is the way to go IMO.

 

Maybe on a 98 or later but there is not enough room on a 97 or earlier to do that.

 

I don't find it very difficult to access my t-stat housing on my '89 la318 tbi.

 

Do you have to remove the alternator to change yours? On the Magnum engines that is recommended to be done to change it or the hose out. Still I would not try putting a Sawzall in there, a Dremel with cut off wheel maybe.

 

My alternator is on the far passenger side. My air pump is close to the t-stat housing (drivers side) but is not an obstruction unless I were trying to reach it from the hood. I do use a 8 mm socket with a U joint and an extension to get a good grip on the hose clamp. Using the flat head screwdriver is a last resort.

Now my 1 wire CTS is difficult to replace because of the a/c compressor. Mine needs to be replaced, I think, but I have not done so for this reason.

The Dremel with a cut off wheel, is an excellent tool. Having the flexible extension can save a lot (A LOT) of cursing.

 

I also used a dremel. It cut though the clamp in a couple of seconds.

 

Yet another defining moment that separates the men from the boys!

 

Ok, this I gotta see. I would like to see a pic of you cutting or about to cut the clamp on the hose attached to the thermostat housing on a Dodge Van Magnum's engine still in the van with a Sawzall.

 

Wow, I figured by now I was beyond being doubted!
Okay BOY, it was a bit tough to try and get some sort of photo with everything in the way, but I did my best to show how it's done. Mind you I took nothing apart. The only piece removed was the fresh air tube going to the air cleaner housing. If I were to actually be going in to cut the clamp I'd likely remove the belt, alternator, and then come at it from that side.