Lower crank shaft seal likely to sustain damage in pulling drive shaft?

[Good Trout To You Sir]

1st pic shows drive shaft, lower crank shaft seal and lower housing plate of a 1998 4HP.
Goal is to free seized drive shaft using section of pipe, cable clamps, washers to force the driveshaft out/away from the powerhead.
Should I use washers (size, type?) against the lip of this seal component to prevent the outward force of my puller from forcing the crank shaft seal forward as the puller acts upon the drive shaft or is this an unnecessary step?
2nd pic shows carbon buildup near exhaust exit of power head --- if I am successful in freeing the drive shaft, how (and how deep) to go about cleaning this carbon buildup?
Thanks.

 

[flyingscott]

Take those 4 bolts off and pry that plate off carefully. I believe that only holds the seal. Once that is off you can see the splines so a little penetrating oil will go a long way. If I am wrong somebody will be along shortly to point that out.

 

[Good Trout To You Sir]

Rectangular plate ("lower crankcase head"?) now removed.
Should the crankcase seal (p/n 336168) lift away freely without removal of the smaller snap ring or other fasteners?
.....On the rubber seal fitted into the plate (i.e. lower crank seal p/n 329086) . Is this seal OK to reuse as is?
.....8 bearings covered by this plate --- any suggested lubrication or other maintenance of this area now that parts are exposed?
....Bolts holding rectangular plate are p/n 304015. I can't readily determine screw size and special torque chart of OEM service manual is not speaking to me. If I can free drive shaft and have reason to reassemble, any thoughts on proper torque?
Thanks to all who wish to opine.