Yeah, with everything unhooked turn it all the way to one side then slowly back the other direction while lifting gently... If you didn't find, (by feel) the spot that the ears line up, go to the other extreme direction and do the same. That part of the pivot is fairly sturdy it shouldn't break that easily.
It shouldn't take much force to lift out of heater box.
It shouldn't take much force to lift out of heater box.