Type 97 gas regulator

[Smiggly]

Not sure if this is were this should be posted, if not could someone direct me to where to ask this question please?
I finally had a chance to take out my type 97 and fire a bunch of rounds. After a day in the bush I was taking it apart to clean, but I am seem to be stuck on getting the gas regulator out.
The instructions say to turn it horizontal and pull, but the damn thing won't budge.
I don't want to leverage it out or force in case of breaking something. Has anyone else had this problem and were able to figure it out? It also has the FTU if that makes any difference.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Jarvy]

When in the horizontal position, you may be able to wiggle it out, but you also may have to remove the FTU and tap it out from the opposite side. The fouling can get quite heavy.

 

[Ionized Odds]

First time I took mine apart I had to use a little "persuasion" to get it out.

 

[Smiggly]

Ok, makes me feel a little better about using more than a little force on it. Thanks guys!