Topic: '76 550 clutch problems (can't seem to find a decent answer)

[chadbenson]

So I've got this '76 550 that I've finally gotten to run. Went to tackle the clutch because it didn't have any resistance or release. I tried adjusting it from the outside of the clutch cover like recommended in the clymer manual. But it wasn't getting me anywhere. So I figured it must be the springs.
   After taking off the cover (more like prying it off, the old gasket was like glue) to find a untouched inner casing I was clueless as to what could be the problem. The clymer manual doesn't offer anything as far as internal adjustments to the clutch, for example the springs. Before I took out the old springs they were fairly compressed and didn't seem to offer and any movement really. That's as far as I've gotten, and now I have no clue as to how far the clutch springs go in!!! The clymer manual just says "assemble in the same way it was disassembled" GEE THANKS MR. CLYMER!! 

So that's where I'm at, clueless. What's the next step guys? Please help!

[fastbroshi]

  Yeah I don't think the clymer's very good in that dept.  Check the manual for the 550s in the FAQ, pretty sure it has the adjustment steps there. 
  But since you already have the cover off, give us some more symptoms.  You got it running, did you ride it at all?  Tough going in and out of gear? 
  Is your cable new or did it come with the bike?

[bryanj]

Bolts holding the clutch springs go down tight, you must use a new gasket WITH NO CEMENT and with clutch cover on you adjust the screw at the bottom of the case until with the lever held up the notch on the lever aligns with the mark on the case

[chadbenson]

I'm going to try and download the shop manual today. I can mooch hi-speed here at work!! anywho, I got the bike running after a carb rebuild and general tune up items. The clutch had no feel then, and it appears to be a fairly new cable. Considering the bike is a '76 and everything is showing it's age but the clutch cable. I wasn't able to ride it because of no clutch action. Being a noob I guess I should have worked at adjusting the cable as much as possible before diving into the cover.....cuz when i took everything off and out it was all still factory fresh ( only 6k miles on this dude) So like a dumb I took the springs out thinking that was my problem!!! so now i'm at the point where I need to know how tight to get them because everything looks really good as far as the springs and plates. Thanks for the advice bryanj about the bolts going tight, i guess what i need to know is, how tight?   
   Hopefully the shop manual will answer this question. I hope! Thanks for the advice guys

[Duke McDukiedook]

While you are at it and in there you might as well buy a Honda replacement clutch cable, that worn out thing is 34 years old and counting- probably not helping matters.

[chadbenson]

agreed!

[Laminar]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67225.0

[bistromath]

The springs are bolted down tight -- tighten until the bolts bottom out, just like any other bolt. But do it VERY CAREFULLY and put a turn at a time on each of the four bolts to keep the plate parallel, or you'll crack the plate for sure.

[chadbenson]

Will do! and thanks for the forum link, I didn't see that thread when I searched before. I'm waiting for the new gasket to come in so I can put her all back together again. I shouldn't have taken it apart in the first place, I just needed to adjust the cables and cover lever better. noobie mistake, but hey you learn from mistakes I guess?!