Topic: Clutch problems 72 CB500 (update)

[78 k550]

Hey All,
 I'm haveing a problem fixing this clutch. Everything is smooth while the cover is off. The cable is free and the clutch lever inside the case is moveing freely. After together, i'll be pulling in the clutch and the clutch arm in the case seem's to be sticking, because I have all this free play in the cable and lever. I can slide the cable back and forth real easy and can hear it internally moveing and hitting the arm (or somethin) in the case. Could it be my clutch pack? When it does work it isn't as smooth as my 78 cb550. Real stiff letting the cluth out. The rod looked good and I put in a new clutch ball. I thought that fixed it but it didn't. Can take the little arm off that operaters the clutch and clean it? It moves free so I don't think it is it. Kinda stumped. I do have another case I'll try putting that on tomorrow and see if that help's.

Thank's

 Paul

[bryanj]

It sounds like the screw mechanism in the sprocket cover is either coroded up or buggered you need to take the cover off and strip out the mechanism and check.

[78 k550]

That is the only thing I can think of also. I read the manual last night, and there's not much to go wrong. 

[number13]

HEy Paul -

Yes, do remove the sidecover and dissassemble the clutch rod lifter, if you
haven't already. they are frequently cracked and it is hard to see the damage
while it is assembled. this style of clutch is a near constant headache, as it was
on my '73 500, until I spent some serious time optimizing the assembly in every way possible.
Now, almost no problems. E-mail me  if you want a checklist of things to do.

kevin

[78 k550]

Thank's guy's, I'm in the process now of taking it apart. The screw acuator I think it is called. I just got it apart and is prety dry in there. Started to wipe down and clean regrease and reinstall, untill a plate of rib crossed my path.  So it is a little break time. I have an extra clutch rod but the groves didn't match up with the one the came out of the bike. I ran my finger nail in one and look's like they just had grud in them. Not really used for oiling or anything. I did notice on the old (original one in bike) wasn't flat where the ball rides. The spare I have is smooth, but the grooves dont match up. Is It crutial the grooves line up? It was so gunked up in there grease so dry it was like rock. It is going back together now and see how it does. I just never had it apart and half the battle is jumping in and doing it.

Thanks for all  your help and input.

Paul

[78 k550]

Hey All,
 It seem's to be fixed. It feel's real nice. but starded to get dark and for some odd reason I wanted to check my charging system. I think I have charging problem.   
I'll tackle that tomorrow.
While the bike was running I took my multi meter and put it on the battery termanl's. I'm at 10 volts and dropping.   
My gauge light's where working for a min then nothing. Looking for shorts also tomorrow.

Paul

[78 k550]

Oh, I forgot. My grease zerk it buggered up. Can I just grab some vise grips and pull it out and replace it with a good one I have. It look's like it is just pressed in there.

Thank's
 Paul

[1978CB750]

Hey I have a 71 CB500 and I lubed the cable and the clutch works fine for a while while riding it but after a while the clutch starts to stick. Any suggestions?