"Can you just push the pulley further up the shaft and leave the crankshaft sticking out an inch below the pulley?"
No it's a stack pulley.
I have only cut 15mm off the crankshaft or I wouldn't have had enough thread left. I have also had to raise the engine about 12mm. I will have to grind the top off one of the steering shaft retaining bolts to stop the belt from rubbing. The deck belt only runs straight when it's on the highest setting now. I really think this is the wrong stack pulley.
How much would a stack pulley for the VRO 40-12 GXT cost?
I'm missing something, Paul - I don't see why it being a stack pulley keeps it from being pushed further up the shaft. If it has a blind end, that only means you'd have to drill the shaft hole the rest of the way through the pulley and use a grubscrew to retain it axially. I'm not recommending that, without seeing the actual mower, but it's the kind of thing I might do. Never throw away an ill-fitting part if you can make it even worse with an hour's work in the machineshop.
I have the red 12.5 hp Briggs I/C engine with a Walbro carb. model 286707 type014001 code 9301294a. Is there a way to remove the float bowl seat or do I only replace the needle and float?