Why did your fan burn out? Never heard that one.
I use cotter key pullers to loosen radiator hoses. Kind of looks like a screw driver with a 90 degree or some have more bend than that, and a point instead of a blade. Carefully push the point between the hose and the nipple, then you can work the tool around the nipple and the hose will break its hold. Works very good and quick, be careful on plastic radiators.
This is the best tool for the job. A little dielectric grease on the tool really makes a piece of cake.