Knob on clutch lever is broken, can I replace by removing the screw holding the lever without pulling the right side plate off.
Hi BT52 --
In theory, this would work.
So you have it in the right position to reinstall the lever to the eccentric, move the broken lever to a center position, remove the screw, being slow and careful to not push the eccentric back into the side plate to a point where you will need to remove the side plate after all. After removing the lever, you may wish to thread the screw in about halfway, then pull the eccentric as far as possible to the exterior before attempting to install the new lever.
With a metal lever on a Penn, it is about the same -- except on the graphite speedmaster, you may need to wiggle the lever to get it into place -- and it may or may not push back inside.
Don't be concerned about removing the head side plate -- if you need to -- it is easy and you can check your grease and oil under the hood at the same time. Wouldn't hurt to get a little grease over and around that eccentric if you remove the side plate.
Good luck,
Fred