Oh I re-read everything,
your probablly talking about the push lever, and your wanting to check it for scalding. Dont really need to check this unless you cant get the cluthc adjusted correctly, then if thats the case
sounds like your "push rod inside the transmission shaft is in the way, you will have to use the magnet method on the push rod then pry out the push lever to check it for wear. IT should just pull straight up (by prying on it with a pry bar, not a screw driver, make sure you fold up a rag or use a small peice of wood to pry on and not your case.)