Bicycle Mechanics - Can't take of pedal gear

I'm having trouble taking off the pedal gear for a bike I recently found (it's in kind of trashy condition, but I'd like to fix it up for my little cousin so he can have a bike.) It's not the actual pedals I'm taking off, but the thing they're attached to along with the gear (sorry I don't know my bike components.) It's a small, normal, one-speed bicycle. There was a small nut and a washer that I was able to take off easily, but that didn't help because I still can't figure out how to take the pedal system thing off because they're tighter than heck on there.

It is called the crank. Unless it is a one piece crank, you probably need a crank puller. You can buy one at almost any bike shop. Could you post a picture?

Park Tools (http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=103)have some good instructions for use of the crank puller (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7329).

I'll bet that it's a one-piece crank. I figure you'll have to take the pedal off the left side (side with no toothed chainring), take off the nut and washer you've already removed, then look for a slot or notch underneath them. This will be a tapered and threaded bearing cone that you remove by tapping against the notch/slot with a punch and hammer, or failing that, your least favorite screwdriver and a rock. It unscrews the same way as the nut you've already removed...I'm guessing clockwise.

If I'm right, everything should just fall out of the righthand side when you're done. Please let us know what happens, or if you need more tips.

Ummm... Why are you taking it off?

If its a small nut you took off, I'm guessing they're cottered cranks. Here (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cotters.html) are some good instructions on how to remove them if i'm right.