i think you guys are misinterpreting. the bearings that fell out were the clutch bearings. they had piled up and his clutch was running off center. the engine bearings looked fine.
Actually i did use a puller. The tapped end for thw screw literally broke off. I realize it is a hardened shaft and not as relient to shock as tempered steel but i don't think it should have broken like that. Anyhow, I'm picking him up a new crank tomorrow. Whatever.