Oil leak when cold near oil cooler.. no leak when warm

That’s what I’m dealing with. Completely dry up top.
I’m thinking oil thermostat stuck open allowing cold thick oil
to the cooler, causing seals to leak?
So now I’m trying to pull it... not happening, any tricks?
I’ve tried prying it up, but no go.
Or is it something else completely?

Thanks in advance,
Dave

I just removed my thermostat the other day during disassembly of my engine and this is the tool I used. There is just enough gap between the case and the base of the thermostat to insert the edge of the pry bar. The pry bar is available at Harbor Freight. Very cheap. The O ring creates a little resistance, but it came right out.

The nail removing end of a claw hammer works pretty well as a pry bar.

Thanks Tom, tried that, no luck. Theunz, ordered one up, thanks for the advice.
Currently soaking area with PB Blaster.

Dave

Got it out... found it open around 3mm. Adjusted it to fully closed, stuck it on the stove top.
Full open @180-190 (cheap meat thermometer). O-ring came in today. Re-installed thermostat.
No leaks! Will run it this weekend to confirm proper operation.