How to split case on Chinese ATV

Hello.  I have a 2007 Ulike chinese ATV.  
- 70cc engine with E22 stamped on the head so I assume it's based on the Honda E22
- Semi automatic transmission

Problem:
- Put the ATV in gear and there is a strong clacking noise coming from the shifter side of the engine towards the back.

- Put the ATV in gear and the rear wheels do engage only to be stopped as if there is something wrong with the gears - kind of like there are sprockets not meshing inside or something is stuck.

- This happens in all gears even with the ATV up on a hoist and just letting the wheels spin while in gear so there is no load.

- With the chain off I noticed that the sprocket on the engine sometimes spins when in neutral.  So it appears as though the gears are engaging even when in neutral.



Things tried:
- I opened the case on the opposite side (the oil filler side) and everything looked okay.  I am not really proficient at what to look for but there was nothing obvious anyway - no missing teeth, no metal shaving, etc...


Questions:
- I could not remove the side of the case where the noise was coming from (the shifter side) because it looks like the cylinder head has to come of first but I can't see how to get that off!!  How do I split the case on both sides?

- Can it be that the clutch needs adjusting?  If the clutch can be adjusted on this thing.  I don't know.

- Am I thinking the right thing by splitting the case to see what that horrible sound is?


Any help or redirection would be greatly appreciated  

Steve  

eek, I hope it is a clutch problem, but ?????.  If the tranny is engaged when in neutral, ah ah ah.  Possiblity, they jacked up the alignment on the forks and shift assembly.  eek.  Tranny rebuild.  Moreover, the gear shift assembly and forks may have to be re-aligned.  I suggest getting on ebay and finding a replacement motor.  Get anything, just make sure you align the engine properly and adjust or modify the engine mounts as needed.