Kioti installed 3 new transmissions in my CK27 it still stuck often then they tried a $600 fix then they added an extra spring to the return. It still stuck some times where I had to give a hard kick to release it. When it stuck and I flipped over backwards I took the tractor back to the dealer...
The telescoping on my CK27 were definitely longer requiring me to buy a longer top link. When I went back to the others I had to cut the shafts shorter on my flail and tiller.
If I was having difficulty getting the rod out I'd fire up the pump and use the hydraulics.
You loose a little oil but it comes out easy and gently as I've had to do it a few times to get the rod out on backhoe cylinders. Never use air pressure you'll be launching a rocket.
It probably didn't appear to work well because the fins were plugged that the fan blows the cool air threw. You have to pull the head liner to get at and clean it. Right after you replace the ceased bearing.
Using Howes I had filter jell solid at not much below zero, also had the feel rod in injector pump stick.Outfit the rebuilt my pump recommended using a different additive which I've done with no problems for the last 20 yrs.