Topic: Clutch problem: CB500

[raptor4568]

Sorry, that worked the last time I used it.  This seems to work now.  The procedure for adjustment is on page 12:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/14355713/Honda-CB500-CB550-workshop-manual

I'll try to get you a picture of my lifter too.

[number13]

This bike has been parked for 28+ years.

You can pretty much bet that the clutch plates are
stuck together. Removal is easy and once off you should be
able to pry the plates apart. Soak the fiber plates in clean
gasoline for a few hours, then re assemble.

[Jordan]

here you go took longer than expected to fix my mower drive

[Scott S]

 Jordan, can you tell by looking at it if the actuator arm has a slight bend or twist in it?

[Scott S]

This bike has been parked for 28+ years.

You can pretty much bet that the clutch plates are
stuck together. Removal is easy and once off you should be
able to pry the plates apart. Soak the fiber plates in clean
gasoline for a few hours, then re assemble.

 I tend to agree. When I finish up night shift I'll take the left side cover off one more time and make SURE that nothing in there is binding or hitting, etc.
 I'll probably make an attempt to start the bike and synch the carbs before draining the oil. After that, I'll pull the clutch basket if the problem persists.

[Jordan]

No bend or twist, is a flat plate, maybe/probably stuck clutch plates and maybe the wrong size ball bearing on the end of the long shaft that goes thru to the other side, I was thinking the swivel part is hitting that guard thingy and not moving the arm far enough

[Scott S]

 That has  crossed my mind, too. I'll be going back in the left side to double and triple check everything after I finish up night shift.

[Kirby]

Scott, I just put my engine together yesterday...head, cam, and rockers tomorrow.  I'll pull the left side cover off tomorrow and try to get a pic.  Kirby

[scottly]

It's common for wet clutches to get stuck after sitting. First, loosen the adjustment enough that the lever can be pulled in without feeling like something is going to break. Then, put the bike in first gear, pull in the clutch lever, and rock the bike back and forth. Did it on two different bikes today!

[bryanj]

Comparing the pictures you dont seem to have as much clearance between the pull piece and the steel guard as the original, this would cause the two pieces to clash and stop the cable solid.

Make sure you can get full movement of the arm not forgetting it winds out of the case as it operates

[Scott S]

 Pulled the whole shooting match apart today and didn't really find anything, BUT..I seem to have clutch operation now.

 I drained the oil and pulled the basket. The discs are like new. They, along with the springs, measure within spec.  There were a few discs/plates that were stuck together, but nothing I couldn't pry apart with my fingernail.
 Reassembled the left side cover but left the right side open so we could watch the basket move. Went through the adjustment sequence several times and eventually got the right combination of lever/cable adjustment to make everything work.
 I'm sure I'll have to fine tune it once the bike is running but, as of now,  I'm calling it good to go!

[scottly]

It's common for wet clutches to get stuck after sitting. put the bike in first gear, pull in the clutch lever, and rock the bike back and forth. Did it on two different bikes today!

[Scott S]

It's common for wet clutches to get stuck after sitting. put the bike in first gear, pull in the clutch lever, and rock the bike back and forth. Did it on two different bikes today!

 Well, I was sent the wrong chain, so the bike doesn't have a chain on it. Couldn't try this method right now. After sitting for 28 years it was probably a good idea to check it all out anyway.