Must check your fishing tackle firstLesson there is not to use 20+ years old 4 or 6lb fishing line. It failed on clip release. Fortunately Murphy didn't win this time and it was found on the garage floor
Leave that top hat section assembled as is. With actuator removed, you should have ample room to rotate / lift out heat shield. Let me know how you go with the E-clip, might get a couple. I did buy some c-clips but not the correct size, a pinch with pliers sorted it out(stays put). lol