Thermostat seat removal

[JD_MT]

I have a 50hp 94 Johnson and was replacing the thermostat. The box also came with a seat. So I tried to remove the old one, it is staked in at least three spots and all I have managed to do is tear a 1/4 of the rubber part out. Let me know how to remove one of these, thanks.

 

[JD_MT]

Well, don't know what the right way is but I removed it. Used a 90 degree flat pick, got it red hot and melted the rear of the seat away so I could get between the metal of the seal and the aluminum. Did that in a couple spots and was able to get a larger pick in and popped it out.