Removing DX pressure plate - sorted

I need to get the flywheel,  clutch and pressure plate off the DX block I'm rebuilding so it'll go on my engine stand. Also to replace the splash guard behind them and have a look at the crank seal…

Flywheel came off fine once I found the right kind of socket (M7 bolts? What's that about?) as did the clutch. I am still however struggling to get the pressure plate off the crank. The bolts came out fine, with a bit of persuasion from a breaker bar and some Plusgas, but now the plate spins freely and doesn't come off…



The arrowed part seems to be holding the plate on - it spins with the crank, not the plate. By rocking the plate from side to side it's come out maybe 1mm at most - it allows a tiny bit of movement (hence the misaligned bolt holes between crank and pressure plate) but won't let the plate off the crank.

Am I missing something, is there a trick to this? Very puzzled and I don't want to break anything!

Cheers,

Stone 

screwdriver or pry bar behind it, and gently persuade it off.

Screwdrivers and a long roll/heel bar did nothing,  it was wedged firmly on there! Ended up abusing a three-leg puller I borrowed from work and packing the end of the crank out with a couple of spare sockets, worked like a charm!



Needed a good clean behind the backing plate, also apparently TSR painted the block with it still fitted

Pry bar has never failed me :-)

I think the problem was pulling it in line with the crank, prying at it just made it twist and then it stuck more firmly onto the shoulder on the crank. Just yanking on it I couldn't get enough leverage without it sliding along the floor! Maybe I don't have your delicate touch