How to remove a lawnmower engine from the deck of the mower?

I have a Honda HRX217 with a bent crankshaft. I picked up another Honda HRX217 with a bad transmission. I want to swap the motor to make a good mower. Yes I have good mechanical ability but I don't like to take apart something without doing some research if I've never done it before.

I'll bet the first mower company that puts a clutch on those blades to prevent bent cranshafts will make a killing. I've had some close calls myself. Last time I hit the pet tie down stake after i forgot it was in the high grass.

For a different mower project I went down to the repair show & found a brand new mower with a bent crankshaft & I did a swap too. Not that complicated. Just pull off the spark plug wire so it won't accidentally start on you when you take the blade off. Save that motor too & you can replace the crankshaft later. Probably need new gasket set though, which you almost always will when opening up an engine. You also need to scrape off the old gasket with a putty knife or razor blade so you will have a smooth surface for the new one.