Pin-pointing the Problems (PICS)

[Yamahauler]

I took the Z apart tonight. I found that the ajuster screw was very bent and the end looks like the end of a punch (sort of squished) (see pic)
I also took the clutch push lever of the case (the part that is attached to the end of the cable). I found it to be worn a little on the edge (pictured).

I think that the reason the clutch isn't disengaging is that the bent ajuster, The worn push lever and possibly, a worn push rod. Any other ideas?

I know someone is going to say that the fingers on the clutch basket are grooved, but I know that that isnt the problem. This is because, the first time it stopped disengaging, it went from working perfect to not working at all in about 10 seconds, while I was riding.

I took it apart after that, reajusted it and it worked perfect at first. As I rode it, it slowly started getting worse and worse (in about 1 hour of ride time), and then eventually, it stopped working all together.

I should note that the ajuster screw wasn't bent the first time I took it apart.

Also, how do you get the push rod out? I got the push ball but the rod doesnt seem to want to come. Would a magnet work?

[Yamahauler]

I don't like bumping my threads up, but I really need some help with this.