Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): rebuilding lawnmower engine I think, craftsman model, fly wheel

Question
Hey Marc,
 Last weekend, I was mowing and hit some rocks. Mower died. I tried to start it and it. I could pull the string then it would catch and snap back, but not all the time. Once it was started  there was a pretty loud knock and wouldn't stay running. I checked to make sure the blade wasn't hitting anything and it wasn't, so I pulled the engine off the mower deck. It sounded like a really bad rod knock. I have rebuilt car engines before. Anyway, I have it sitting on my bench ready to be taken apart this weekend. I have pulled off the blower housing and the pull string starter, and the head. I can turn the motor with no problems by hand and no knocking sound. So, here's my question. To pull the fly wheel off do I need a gear puller? To pull the blade adapter off the bottom of the crank do I need a special puller for that too? I have a Craftsman model 917.387070 EZ3 push mower. The engine model is 143.975506 I think it is a tecumsh engine. Thanks for any help or direction you can give me.

Gene.

Answer
A puller is the safest way to remove the flywheel, although, you can usually (and carefully) pry up on a thick section of the flywheel and give the end of the crank a sharp tap with a plastic hammer.  If the blade hub is difficult, you may need to cut it off...but try a puller first.  Hope this helps.