EXUP Exhaust donuts removal question

[RobX-1]

Having a tough time removing the exhaust donuts from the flex flange so wanted to get some suggetions. On my 08 Apex, the OEM donuts either were so deteriated that there wasn't much left to them or they easily spun. Although all of mine are still intact, my are leaking so want to replace them but for some reason with these newer OEMs ones, I can not get them off by spinning/rotating them; and that's even with a a pair of channel locks. Tried using some heat but they won't budge. Has anyone ran into a similar issue with replacing the donuts on their EXUP exhaust. Other than the diameter difference between the older and newer style Apex's with the EXUP, I didn't think there was a difference but my attempts to remove them are proving otherwise.

 

[RobX-1]

Apparently, wasn't using enough heat and persuasion but managed to get them off.

 

[maim]

glad you got them. when i did the 11, it would not leak when hot but would leak cold. they where strings when i pulled them out.