I searched the forum, but did not see anything regarding how to safely remove cylinders.  I've got all of the base nuts removed, how should I proceed to break the cylinders free from the base gaskets without risking damaging/cracking a cylinder base?  

Thanks,

John

The cylinder base is very strong, you can't break them off with only arm force if there is not already a crack there.

Break the base gasket adhesion by tilting the cylinder forward or aft, piston is not articulated a lot from side to side. Then bring down the piston to bottom dead center and just lift off the cylinder. To prevent the piston from follow the cylinder up, you may have to lock the crankshaft from turning by put the gear in third and lock the rear tire.