Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine siezed, die grinder, ball bearings

Question
My 1998 JD 345 lawn tractor siezed on the run.  This is the Kawasaki fd590v engine. I have it apart and found the top crankshaft bearing stuck to the crankshaft and the housing.
All the other parts seem to be in fair shape. 600 hours on mower.JD parts breakdown lists bearing #m97316 and the remarks say "plane".  How do I get this apart without destroying the crankshaft or the case.  Full id # of tractor  is  M00345B056757.  I thank you and God bless.

Answer
Hello Rick:

I have One of these that I was Able to Save. The Crankshaft was Shot But I Took a Dare and Won for a Change. If the Crankshaft on your Engine will Not Turn, then it is Seized to the Bearing. "Plane" is Usually Referred to a Bushing that is Designed for a Specific Use. In this Case the Bushing (Plane meaning No Ball Bearings) is called a Bearing. It had the Same Damage and I Performed a Complete Rebuild on the Engine. It Did Not Require All the Parts, But the Engine is Used Commercially and I wanted it to Last like a New Engine if Possible. Depending on How Bad the Welded Area is you have Few Options. The Safest Way is to Cut the Crankshaft Off (using a Die Grinder with a Cutting Wheel), Drill it and then Use a Die Grinder to Finish Removing what is Left of the Crankshaft with a Sanding Wheel in the Die Grinder. It Takes a Bench Mounted or Free Standing Drill Press to Do this Correctly and Plenty of Time. If the Welded Area is Small, you can Sometimes Use a Thin and Narrow Flat Punch and a Cutting Punch. Once the Crankshaft is Thin Enough from Using the Sanding Wheels; you Cut a Groove Into the Remaining Crankshaft Material. Now Use the Cutting Punch to Mark the Top of the Bearing Between the Bearing and Crankshaft. Make the Mark Deep enough for the Thin, Narrow Flat Punch to Rest if Required and then Punch the Bearing Into a Roll, By Starting at the Cut and Working Around the Bearing Material Towards the Welded Section. If Some of the Housing Material Pulls with the Bearing Material, Do Not Worry. Once the Bearing Material is Completely Out of the Housing; Look at the Housing and then Mix up some JB Weld to Match the Areas you Need to Apply the JB Mixture to Fill in Deep Places in the Bearing Seat. Apply the JB Weld and Make Sure it is Smooth with the Bearing Seat. Install the New Bearing and Allow the Housing and Bearing Set Undisturbed for 24 Hours. Be Sure to Use All the Applicable Safety Equipment Required (Gloves, Glasses, ect). If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. I Hope you Had a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John