[The cap'n]

If it's that one, just put it in neutral and remove it. Be sure to have a new gasket on hand, and clean the mating surfaces of any remaining bits of the old gasket. I don't think you're gonna be able to see anything of value through that opening, but there's no harm in looking, I guess. I wouldn't remove the "finger" piece from the plate. You can see in the picture why not. Those pulled threads showing on the stud ain't pretty!

The Cap'n