No, only when the lid is off, will it turn backwards, only. When the lid is off, the clutch will fall into the handwheel and not allow it to turn forward. The hinge on the clutch arm is attached at the back of the machine. I've attached a picture. I've got my screwdriver holding the clutch arm up.
There's no need to take the bottom off of this machine. You really DON'T want to do that. You can get to everything you need to take care of from the top, end door and throat plate.
I don't think I understand what issue you're having with the machine.