Help, those who have worked on K series

[that_civic]

Hi, need some advice, ideally off those who've worked on a K series.

I'm trying to get the thermostat off but the bolts are rounded. I found a 12mm (circled red) that connects to the plastic attached to the thermostat (circled blue)
I attempted to take it off initially and noticed its stuck on by silicone however there is a hose and a hard pipe (circled yellow) how does the hard pipe come off and can it come off ? If it does this will make life easier for me than having to pay someone to get the bolts out.



Thanks