There isn't a 'mounting plate'. The bolts go through the chassis straight into the engine sump pan flange.
Depending on what the dech is made of, and is the machine is self-propelled, the procedure differs.
If there is no power drive option fitted, remove the blade and boss from the crankshaft (will probably require a puller). Disconnect the throttle and OPC (if fitted) cables, then unbolt the engine & remove it from chassis (3 bolts).
If the deck is plastic WITH power drive, proceed as above but you will have to manoever the side PTO shaft & pulley out through the hole in the deck.
If the deck is alloy, WITH power drive, you will have to drive out the roll pin holding the PTO pulley on, and pull the pulley off the shaft. This is easier said than done, and sometimes it is necessary to cut the shaft & replace it when you strip the engine.
Once the engine is off, CLEAN THE CRANKSHAFT till it is LIKE NEW before you attempt to split the crankcase. NOTE that one of the sump bolts is INSIDE the PTO gear housing.
phil_saunders(a)bigfoot.com
Phil Saunders, April 2010
