I used a pry bar but did not put much pressure on the cooling fins because they are plastic. also I could not get a good grip until I removed the shroud which is what I did today.
Before that I pulled the valve covers but saw no damage whatsoever so I removed the top shroud over the flywheel. Grabbed the flywheel and gave it a tug and at first it did not want to move but then broke loose and spun easily. Not sure what was holding it but there was a few acorn hulls in there under the flywheel. Perhaps they had it jammed. Anyway when I turn it there is a screeching noise and I think it is coming from the PTO clutch. I was going to try and start it but thunder in the distance told me I better wait so I came in and checked the radar. Rain is about 10 miles away and headed right this way so I guess that will have to wait.
They been promising rain for 3 days so I been holding off watering my garden but maybe now I won't have to water it.
I am going to remove the clutch and inspect it after I blow out all them hulls. It has been slow to get going here lately anyway so I think the clutch had something to do with the problem.
Thanks all for your 2 cents. I'll update when I get more info.