Dad and I removed the nut and washers from the shaft, then replaced with a off-the-shelf washer and the original nut. We used a set of vice grips to surround the shaft WITHOUT clamping on it. All the vice grips did were sit under the washer. Then we carefully tapped on the vice grips with the handle of a hammer and they lifted right out. I can see how it would be a struggle if they were insanely cruddy and then a puller would be needed. These were dirty but the shafts weren't stuck.

Be careful not to mess up the shaft with the teeth of the vice grips, and if it doesn't tap right out I'd do the stack of washers method to pull directly perpendicular to the surface of the cylinder.

The first one brought the clip with it and also popped the seal. The second shaft pulled through the clip and bent it. To remove the seal I just used a wooden shim for leveling doors and placed it on the surface of the cylinder to pry on. Then I used a smaller screwdriver to pry and it popped right out.

As I said make sure the valves are loose in the port before removing the shaft. Once the shaft is out they will fall out the port where the pipe attaches. If you're doing it with the engine still together you may have to work them out with a screwdriver but as long as they're not stuck they will come out with some fiddling. When the engine is apart and you're holding the cylinder you just shake it a bit and they fall right out. The bottom cylinder should be fine; I'd think the top one is where you will have to hold your tongue just right to wiggle them out.

Craig