The clutch rod doesn't have to move very far to disengage the clutch plates. The way to check it is to remove the six screws with the springs behind them on the clutch pressure plate. Slide the plate off and slide the clutch plates out of the clutch basket. You can remove the push rod and check it and also check the clutch basket for notches where the clutch plates ride. If there are notches in the basket where the clutch plate tabs ride, they could be hanging up the clutch. You can either carefully file the notches out of the basket or replace the basket.