Topic: Uhhh how do I get my clutch lever to spring back?

[dazemc]

I have a '71 cb500. I'm not too good with clutches so I'm not sure if it's technically engaged or disengaged at the moment. Felt fine before, but it is stuck now. Stopped bike to check for oil leaks. Went to move it a few feet forward, pulled the clutch lever, and there's no resistance. I had to walk it home because I had a battery so dead it wouldn't switch the ignition relay on but on my walk it would "pop" out and I could pull in the clutch fine. It's now stuck again and obviously I don't want to ride it before I can figure out more.

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[bryanj]

Check the mechanism under the sprocket cover also check the clutch pushrod as if chain gets over loose it breaks the pushrod

[dazemc]

Okay what do you make of this?

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[bryanj]

 Where the cable attached looks very bent and mangled, i believe either cmsnl or dave silver has pattern ones now

[dazemc]

Would that explain the clutch being stuck engaged, or is there something more I should look into?

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[Scott S]

 So you're saying the lever just flops against the perch at the handle bars?

 I wouldn't think the mangled lifter in the sprocket cover would cause any issues, unless it was rubbing on something.

 The push-rod looks to be in one piece.

 Take your thumb and push up on the lifter, where the spring is attached. What happens?

[dazemc]

So you're saying the lever just flops against the perch at the handle bars?

 I wouldn't think the mangled lifter in the sprocket cover would cause any issues, unless it was rubbing on something.

 The push-rod looks to be in one piece.

 Take your thumb and push up on the lifter, where the spring is attached. What happens?

Yes, the clutch just flops around. Putting into gear and pushing has a little drag on the tire so I know the clutch has disengaged the transmission. I was able to freely move the lifter with my hand. Little work with some needle nose and I have it apart right now for cleaning. I know that some people were missing the ball bearing in the past but mine is there. Looks like there's a little hairline crack... Still wouldn't think that'd be the source of my problem though.

EDIT: Pushrod is in one piece. Previous picture was showing a spot that is about 2mm that looks a little worn. I think the chain was loose at one point in the past. Which would explain the mangled lifter.



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[Scott S]

 Since you have it completely disassembled, here's how I would approach it:

 -Re-assemble and grease the lifter.
 - Screw in adjuster at the handle bar about halfway.
 -Install cable and screw the adjuster on the sprocket cover pretty much all the way in.
 -Adjust the worm gear (the one on the side of the sprocket cover). Screw it in until it seats, then back off just a bit, about 1/8".
 -  Back out the cable using the adjuster on the sprocket cover until you get tension
 - Final adjustment at the lever to get the proper 3mm gap.

[dazemc]

Since you have it completely disassembled, here's how I would approach it:

 -Re-assemble and grease the lifter.
 - Screw in adjuster at the handle bar about halfway.
 -Install cable and screw the adjuster on the sprocket cover pretty much all the way in.
 -Adjust the worm gear (the one on the side of the sprocket cover). Screw it in until it seats, then back off just a bit, about 1/8".
 -  Back out the cable using the adjuster on the sprocket cover until you get tension
 - Final adjustment at the lever to get the proper 3mm gap.

Okay, I'm going to have to wait till Thursday to do most of that unfortunately. Definitely needs new grease on that side. Took off the cover on the other side and I think I have some more cleaning to do...

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[bryanj]

That crack can cause the mechanism to stick under load, you need to find the bulletins as there is a special place that adjuster needs to be  in to work properly, its not just screw it in and back off as described above

[dazemc]

That crack can cause the mechanism to stick under load, you need to find the bulletins as there is a special place that adjuster needs to be  in to work properly, its not just screw it in and back off as described above

Okay thank you I'll look for that sticky and try to find an un-cracked, umm lifter mechanism? I don't know what it's called. 

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[bryanj]

They can still be got new.

[dazemc]

They can still be got new.

Nice! No point in not replacing it then. Gotta wait for parts but hopefully you don't hear any problems from me anymore. Thanks for the help!

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