Brass plunger stuck in tub overflow

[kathie659]

Brass "wire" broke in drain assembly. Plunger fell to block position (no water drainage).

Ran a chain & S hook (90lb working weight) to plunger. I can move it lift it enough to open drain, but no amount of pulling or turning helps..I believe it is stuck where top pipe fits into drain, perhaps buildup of "gunk" after decades of use or maybe upper pipe was distorted on installation.
Other than crawling behind this thing to open brass fitting, does anyone have any ideas on how to remove this?
I'm a dryer, but have tackled many renovation projects..rewired homes, jutted insulated drywalled
But with plumbing? It always seems, fix this here and that leaks there

 

[Breplum]

Plumbing skills are extensive and developed over many years and old plumbing certainly will leak if you move/touch it.
Replacing the waste/overflow assembly is superior to repair unless one has the time, patience and adequate equipment to refurbish.