thanx shark, (and you other guys), i did just that and was able to take the crank out in it's entirety. then i was able to remove the bell housing, clutch, and flywheel. i completely disassemble it to see the inside of the engine. a confession, this is my 1st engine removal, and disassembly. learned a lot. thanx, maybe i DIDN'T bite off more than i can chew. we'll see.