Well it's not pressed in... the whole lifter/bearing just falls out soon as you take the pressure plate off. Definitely sounds like it's not hooking in

You sure you put that lifter in the right direction?? And sometimes you've gotta play with the release arm a little bit to get it to hook

 

I notice a lot of play in the release plunger (back and forth). Got a little time to play with it today. Other than not being sure about the amount of in and out play of the plunger, I don't see anything wrong on the clutch side of things. i am going to keep playing with getting the arm on properly. Geez. 15 years as an auto mechanic and this is kicking my ***. Embarassing.

 

i dont have one it should be in the service manual. just make sure you are within it. thicker side= harder shift thin side = slipping

 

you can get a manual here just have to sign up for the page its free

http://www.hondahookup.com/manuals/