Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): How to remove pulley & blade adapter from mower crankshaft, harmonic balancer puller, woodruff key

Question
I have a self-propelled Craftsman walk behind mower.  I have removed the engine for replacement (12 yrs old, and I feel like it will be more economical to replace rather than repair)
Anyway, here's my problem:
The pully for the drive belt is on the crank, and I can't seem to get enough torque to loosen the hex key.  Is there a trick, or a best kind of Allen wrench to use?

Also, of course I will need to remove the blade adapter which is towards the end of the crank.  It uses a Woodruff key in a slot but no hex key, accoring to the owners manual.  Do I remove it by simply pounding it off the end of the shaft, or is there something else I will need to do?


Thanks!
Vince

Answer
You may need to drill out the set screw for the drive pulley if you cannot remove it.  These little screws can be very difficult to remove...I won't kid you on that.

I recommend you use a puller (harmonic balancer puller or similar) or a slide hammer to remove the blade hub rather than pounding it off.  Hope this helps.