1987 honda cr250 clutch question

ok have a honda cr250 that i bought really cheap because it needed a clutch cable, so i was told.  replaced that and then replaced the clutch as well. i need to know about the clutch lifter.  the bikes clutch does not disengage and when i finally bought the service manual, it shows the clutch lifter in a different position in the left side cover than mine is.   mine is higher than the one they show (the position withe the clutch released, where the cable ties into the lifter).  basically when i pull in on the clutch lever, the top of the lifter is hitting the top of the case. i need to know if i can take the lifter out or do i have to split the cases to take out the lifter