Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 5hp tiller stuck crankcase cover, offest, crankcase

Question
I am repairing a siezed tiller motor and while trying to remove the crankcase cover I noticed the crank seems to be frozen to the crankcase cover.  The camshaft moves freely in and out of the crankcase cover.

I have tried shimming between the crankcase and crankcase cover and tapping the crank back into the crankcase, no movement.  A puller was utalized with a 3 inch jaw on one side and a 5 in on the other (due to crank being offest in crankcase) and found there to be no movement.  I backed off the pressure on the puller when crankcase cover began to flex.  

I was pondering appling a light heat to the cover to see if that would free the cover.

Answer
 Hello Matt:

 Is the Crankshaft Bent? If Not, then Rust from the Crankshaft is Stopping you from Removing the Crankshaft from the Oil Pan. Return the Oil Pan to its Original Position on the Crankshaft and Using Fine Sand Paper or Emory Cloth Sand the Crankshaft Until Clean. Then Remove the Crankshaft. If the Crankshaft is Bent, then You have to Cut the Crankshaft or Hope it Doesnt Break the Oil Pan when you Heat and Use the Puller to Remove the Crankshaft. The Clearance is Very Small Between the Crankshaft and Oil Pan (.001in or less). Any Rust or Bend will Make the Oil Pan and Crankshaft Difficult too Seperate. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John