Can't remove old brass Gerber hot stem/cartridge

[Following the crooked man]

Hello, it's just like the title says. I've been trying to remove this thing without causing more damage to the surrounding area than need be.

I've tried vice grips, channel locks, vice grips and hammer, tried spraying with CLR (looks beautiful now but still stuck), deep well socket (won't grip). The channel locks and vice grips just want to chew the brass up and I'm worried I'm going to wind up having it permanently stuck if I keep going the direction I'm headed. Wondering if I'm missing something. Can I drill this thing out or is there some other tools or methods I could be using?

 

[Geofd]

If you use the proper size open end wrench give it a couple of good taps it should loosen you should do both stems + seats while you have it off

 

[Twowaxhack]

Turn counterclockwise.

 

[Geofd]

If you use the proper size open end wrench give it a couple of good taps it should loosen you should do both stems + seats while you have it off

Open the stem while loosening it