pinion gear removal

The pinion gear sits on a tapered crankshaft end. After removing the screw and lock washer, it should come right off.
If not, then either congealed oils glued it into place, or after several runs, (heat expansion,) the gear pressed farther on the shaft.
What I do is heat the gear with a butane torch, being careful to avoid the aluminum crankcase. Just get it warm/slightly hot to the touch.
Once heated, I tap it with a rubber mallet and it usually pops off.  If not, I heat it again.
This time I gently grab it with pliers, using just enough force to grip the gear.
Then I work the gear slightly clockwise/counter clockwise until it’s free.