Topic: Clutch-1978 Honda CB550K

[beelsamin]

Thanks to all who gave advice about getting my 550 running.I've got the carbs dialed in and with the stock airbox in,she purrs nicely at about 1050RPM,but wait...whats this...put all new cables on her and.....no clutch adjustment...the lever at the clutch cover is completely loose and the little adjustment screw on the clutch cover screws right in with no resistance.I'd appreciate any insight about 550k clutch issues,as soon as I finish this post I'm going to drain the oil and pull the cover...I am not looking forward to another nightmare!

[beelsamin]

Just before I pulled the cover I noticed that the lock nut on the clutch adjustment screw is missing,anyone know what size this nut is?
I'm hoping that simply putting the nut back on will solve my problem.

[Hush]

Yep that will fix it, was going to suggest you check adjustment before you drain the oil and tear off the clutch cover.
Not sure of the nut size, I know its a size 10 open ended spanner to hold it.
I'd try the nut that holds the pivot bolt at either the clutch or hand brake levers on, might be the same size.

[bryanj]

Please read the manual as there is no "feel" to the adjustment

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Use the nut from the old cable???

[beelsamin]

The nut that was missing is for the screw that sticks out of the lower clutch cover,I replaced the nut.What I dn't understand is that the manual says adjust this until the clutch actuator mark is lined up with the cover mark,do you do this adjustment after the cable is adjusted?
I installed a new clutch cable and the actuator arm is lined up with the case mark but there is no give in the actuator arm when I pull in the clutch handle,I'm afraid I'm going to break the arm right off.....

[Brass Brawler]

I was having the same issue when I replaced mine. You have to make sure the adjustment screw on the crank case is almost all the way out before you start. Line the dots up on the lever and case when you adjust the cable. Then go back to the crank case adjuster to finish.

Hope that helps.

[beelsamin]

Thanks Brass,now I need a new clutch cover gasket first... Since I couldn't see what was wrong externally I pulled the clutch cover..couldn't see anything wrong internally.As I'm in Canada it's going to cost a lot as it appears I can only source a gasket in the U.S.
 one of the parts sources wanted $34 for shipping tho the gasket is only $8

[Brass Brawler]

I recommend buying gaskets in bulk. You'll save on the shipping and you can always sell the others on Ebay.