Ford 5.4 Coolant Leak in Valley - Need to Replace Coolant Fitting

Discovered a significant coolant leak into the engine valley. My camera shows water leaking from under the HVAC heat pipe connected to the coolant fitting that protrudes from the rear of the water pump. The fitting is pressure mounted and inserts into the steel HVAC hearter pipe that resides in the valley. I suspect the problem is with the O-rings that are ( were ) located on the coolant fitting. Removed the alternator and water pump to expose the coolant fitting. Using a Husky internal wrench tool, I was able to rotate the fitting in the water pump housing. However, I am not able to 'extract' the fitting so it can be replaced. I did find one supposed solution online - tape a 1/2 inch thread, insert a 1/2 inch bolt and pull it out. Impossible to pull out! I can rotate it but I can't pull it out! Any ideas