Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snowmobile engine, dowel pins, piston rings

Question
I am changing piston rings and oil seals on a 340 Susuki built Arctic Cat engine. I have the engine dissassembled to the crankcase. My question is how do I get the cranckcase open? I have removed all of the bolts, but it's still tight. Do I have to pry it apart? It is a 1991 340 Arctic Cat Jag Mountain Cat.

Answer
The crankcase is tightly positioned with dowel pins.  The best way to get it apart is to tap on a solid edge with piece of hardwood and gradually work it apart.  I would recommend against prying as you may end up breaking part of the casting or damaging a mating surface.  Make sure that you do, indeed, have all of the bolts removed.  Hope this helps.