Someone used the wrong size washer, cuz it's supposed to be against the outside of the balancer. But that doen't answer your question does it? Try putting some heat, just alittle, on the washer. Then let it cool and try to pry out the washer. If that doesn't work you may have to "melt the washer, burn it out. I would try to protect the threads in the crank with something like a piece of wood dowel. The balancer and crank should be ok if you don't get carried away with the torch. Worst thing would be damage to balancer requiring a replacement or damage to threads in crank...good luck!!