Can't pull out clutch push rod ?

I've faced one simple problem while trying to disassemble my Honda CR 125 year 1998 to split the cases. I removed the whole clutch unit but still can't pull out the clutch push rod. I removed the clutch activation arm (where clucth cable connects) but the pushrod doesn't come out. It comes out just a few milimeters so I can grab it with the pliers but it's impossible to take it out. Ii't supposed to come out really easy, doesn't it?

The clutch works just fine.

Can I split the cases while the push rod is still there?

What could have caused a stuck push rod? Bent?

Photo of pushrod, part number 10.
 

i own that exact bike same year and everything
when i take apart the clutch that pushrod slides right out when i tip the bike over just a little..
im not sure what would cause that but i do know that its just supossed to fall out easily
oh and btw u just pulled the clutch cover right? not actually split the case.. im a little confused about that part  
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1998 cr125
its better to own nothing worldly and still have your identity
then have the world and no identity
---------------------------------------"We were born of the night. We live in it. We will die in it. But tomorrow there will be light, for those now crying in the night. For those to whom day is denied. To whom death is a gift. To whom life is forbidden."

Yes, I haven't split the cases yet, I just took off right side case cover. However, I am going to split the cases so will I be able to do that with the push rod in place?

Yes, it's really strange that the push rod doesn't come out although the clutch works fine ant the rod seems to move really easilly but just doesn't come out fully    

im stumped on this one...
have u pulled off that clutch basket yet  part no 3 and 4
try to get a little deeper in there and see what the deal is  
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1998 cr125
its better to own nothing worldly and still have your identity
then have the world and no identity
---------------------------------------"We were born of the night. We live in it. We will die in it. But tomorrow there will be light, for those now crying in the night. For those to whom day is denied. To whom death is a gift. To whom life is forbidden."

Yes, I have taken off whole clutch assembly, including 3 and 4. My guess would be that the rod is bent and for this reason is stuck. But then I don't even imagine how I will take it out    

damn... wait for some of the other regulars to get on and see what
pat,sanders,elk,woods,pop,bill,ml or  mark have to say im not sure on this one  
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1998 cr125
its better to own nothing worldly and still have your identity
then have the world and no identity
---------------------------------------"We were born of the night. We live in it. We will die in it. But tomorrow there will be light, for those now crying in the night. For those to whom day is denied. To whom death is a gift. To whom life is forbidden."

Thanks for the effort quazymoto  

try squeezing the clutch handle and see if it moves the push rod out  so u can grab it  
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1998 cr125
its better to own nothing worldly and still have your identity
then have the world and no identity
---------------------------------------"We were born of the night. We live in it. We will die in it. But tomorrow there will be light, for those now crying in the night. For those to whom day is denied. To whom death is a gift. To whom life is forbidden."

no problem bro thats what we do around here  
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1998 cr125
its better to own nothing worldly and still have your identity
then have the world and no identity
---------------------------------------"We were born of the night. We live in it. We will die in it. But tomorrow there will be light, for those now crying in the night. For those to whom day is denied. To whom death is a gift. To whom life is forbidden."

The engine is out of frame, but i moved that clutch activation arm which pushes out the rod and the rod comes out of the tube but only about 3-4 milimeters. So I can barely grab it with the pliers. Anyway, as you said and as I know, it should just drop out because it is not attached anywhere.  

since its wroking freely i would be a bit suspicioius of it being bent.. i dont think it would work properly if it were bent. is there something holding it in place? possible part 11?or an e clip? thats almost what it sounds like...i think you can slpit the cases with it in but not sure & dont recomend it..
DavidS  
i take a lot of pride in what i am

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ride: 02yz426
local: north east Oregon

terrain type woods with lots of roots & rocks

If the engine is out of the frame take it to the dealer service department and save some time.  They would either tell you how to do it or do it for free.  When I split my first case  I was at the dealer alot getting free help.  The shop guys usually don't mind helping.  especially after I purchased all of the parts there.  
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"Every time I start thinking the world is all bad, then I start seeing some people out there having fun on motorcycles. It makes me take another look." -Steve McQueen

the shops near my house won't do nothing for free dag, anyway, my guess, is that if it does activate, it probably isn't bent. did you take the clutch off of the bike? if no, do that, it isn't that difficult, something might be binding it there, there are lots of washers, spacers etc there that it might be rubbing against. i'm not very familiar with push rod clutches, mine doesn't have one.  
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the bodies just a vehicle, transporting the soul, it is whats inside of people is beauty to behold

SOUTHERN MAINE

I'm wondering if it is being held in by vacuum pressure from oil in the rod tube. You might try spraying parts cleaner in the rod tube to thin out the oil trapped with the rod (it shouldn't take but a squirt or two) and don't grab it with pliers. You will do more damage to the rod and have to replace it.

And I don't see why you couldn't still split the cases with the rod still in place and see why it's stuck  

you can split the cases, but it will be harder as the rod is fairly long, so you would have to retract the cases straight back for quite a ways until one side pops out. and then you risk bending it. he could, if he was careful.  
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the bodies just a vehicle, transporting the soul, it is whats inside of people is beauty to behold

SOUTHERN MAINE