Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): disassemble tecumseh crankcase, craftsman lawn mower, wd 40

Question

flange on crankshaft i have a tecumseh engine on a craftsman lawn mower. engine model number is 143016708 and i am tearing it down to repair it. i am stuck on the crankcase and how to seperate it. I have removed all the bolts and and seperated it about a half in but it wont come apart anymore because the flange on the bottom of the shaft that the blade bolts to has to be removed. I have spent the last 3 hours trying to figure out how to get it off and for the life of me cant get it. i know it's now welded on cause there is a slot on the shaft that the flange goes in so it wont spin but from what i can see there is no bolt or set screw holding it on. If you could give me any advice on how to get it off so i can seperate the case it would be much appreciated. thank you for taking the time to read this.  Cody

Answer
Take a two-by-four and place it on the flange. Then take a large hammer and pound on it a few times. This should vibrate it a bit to loosen it. If this doesn't work, spray it down with WD-40 or some other aerosol lubricant, wait ten minutes, then try with the hammer again. If still no success, use a two-prong pulley remover. That's a last resort, because they're kinda expensive. But banging it a few times should vibrate it enough to loosen it. This technique works on the flywheel, as well.