Clutch not disengaging

Here's the other thing about "play" If it's all properly done, as said above, and if the Z bar bushings are proper with little slop, then the (should be a) return spring underneath pulling the fork "off" the clutch, that should "pull" the linkage together in a manner of speaking, to hold it in "slight tension" so that the "slight" play in the joints does not matter.

When the pedal is "going down" the combo of gravity and over center spring does that job in the "other" direction.

It "might" EG simply be an incompatible (incorrect) fork and pivot, or a damaged fork or pivot. I do not remember, anymore, if it's possible to incorrectly install a pivot.

I DO somewhat realize the position you are in...........a swap with ?? correct parts.