VC Small Winter Warm primary air maintenance

[TerryC]

Hello. I have a 20 yr. old VC small winter warm insert. I perform the annual maintenance on the unit (gaskets, adjusting, chimney cleaning etc.). Currently the primary air lever moves freely up and down but is not making any adjustments to the fire. It seems that it is in the full open position. I removed the side panel to see if I can figure out what is causing this but I’m having a little difficulty in removing the part. 1. Any advice why the lever is not making adjustments? 2. Any advice on removing the part? Thank you.