Topic: CB550 No tension on clutch actuator arm.

[D-Ral]

Trying to set up the clutch on a bike that hasn't been run in a while. 1978 CB550K. I've just installed a new clutch cable and there is not enough tension in the clutch to return the lever to resting position. I've tried using the adjustment nut to align the marks, but turning the adjustment nut doesn't move the arm. Any ideas?

[reddyvv]

Sounds like the clutch plates have seized up or the internal spring on the arm has slipped off. You'll have to take the clutch cover off to fix it. Have a new gasket on hand in case the old one tears when you take it off. If the bike's on the sidestand you'll lose a little oil and can top up later or lean the bike over a little more if you can.

[D-Ral]

Thanks for the advice. I took the cover off, took the basket apart and measured the plates since I had it off. Once I played with the mechanism on the inside of the cover I figured out why I couldn't get it to work. It's all hooked up and seemingly functional. It's neat that you can look inside the oil port to see the plates move. Hopefully I put it back together correctly...

[dave500]

if you have the wrong cable say from a 500 itll have too much free length and wont work properly?with the cable disconected at both ends you need three inches of free length.

[amirsafayan]

Thanks for the advice. I took the cover off, took the basket apart and measured the plates since I had it off. Once I played with the mechanism on the inside of the cover I figured out why I couldn't get it to work. It's all hooked up and seemingly functional. It's neat that you can look inside the oil port to see the plates move. Hopefully I put it back together correctly...

Very old thread but wondering if you can describe how you actually resolved this issue?

[dave500]

seven year old thread,he aint been on since 2015 mate.

[Scott S]

 If you move the arm too far with the clutch cover off, the spring can slip under the arm/lifter on the inside.
 Not too hard to fix, but the cover has to come off to do it.
 Sounds like that's what happened to him.

 Have some fresh oil and a clutch cover gasket handy!