[mike657894]

It sounds to me as well that the collar is stuck. The zerk lubes the slide action of the collar. may get grease to the throw out, But the one I just installed from macs is sealed. Zerks can clog. On heavy equipment like the arm and bucket joint on a backhoe rutting in the dirt clogs some up every time you try to grease it. Now that zerk doesnt get dirty but the grease could have sat for a time long enough to gum up.

If it helps. Ive never pulled an easier engine. Now I didnt require a spreader on my car so that probably sped things up. A slow afternoon or a hardworking hour will get it out.

On second thought. just wadded up half dried up grease may be able to stick the collar enough to where it locks the pedal. have you tried pumping it with grease or kicking it a bit?

Go read the link provided by rotorwrench lots of good ideas to try in there. like blocking the pedal down and let it set.