I believe you have to remove the pto clutch before the engine can be removed.I don’t find removing the clutch & pulley much of an issue but I don’t lay on the floor anymore, I have a lift
Drain the oil, remove engine & lay on work bench to replace seal
I use a small manual chain hoist to lift engine from mower or get someone to help lift off mower
Yes the clutch and pulley needs to come off firstI believe you have to remove the pto clutch before the engine can be removed.
Some come off of their own free will but if you do enough you’ll find older ones that can quite stubborn.I don’t find removing the clutch & pulley much of an issue but I don’t lay on the floor anymore, I have a lift
Drain the oil, remove engine & lay on work bench to replace seal
I use a small manual chain hoist to lift engine from mower or get someone to help lift off mower