I think one of my posts shows how to work the lever on the engine easily by using a vice grip pliers to work the lever on the engine. I do this to hook up the clutch cable as its easier for me move the lever in with the pliers as I thread the cable into the lever on the engine.
Good for you on your build I hope you get it running with out a lot of problems but if you don't let your fingers do the crying here we'll help ya. Pictures help sometimes and a big friggin hammer will relieve your frustrations but them you will have a pile of broken aluminum. That ain't cool
Norman