Played hell to get my case apart. After I finally got it off I found that there was a rust ring (small step) that was giving me the trouble. No damage or scratch at all to the crank but the bearings in the bottom cover are scratched. Party Foul! I'll have to measure and see what bearings are available to replace them. I don't know how I would have dealt with it even if I was able to pull out the seal and notice it. Ever happen to any of ya'll?

Yes,Most buff them with a rag if not too bad.

Next time take a piece of Emory cloth and clean the shaft right against the seal, it will slide right off and no damage to the bearing. Have fun hunting new bearings.

Yep happened to me too. bearings are not available. I did however take pics of my problem and sent it to briggs thru an email and kinda complained about the oil leak everyone is having, and to my suprise i was contacted by customer care and was given a free of charge whole new crank case and gasket shipped to my door, even tho my engine is a year out of warranty, and was told they were working on the oil leak problem. nice.

Yep. Bearings not available. Non-servicable part.
Had to buy the whole cover.