Topic: Hi all , I need help with a clutch adjustment

[Helmutdiggy]

I purchased a 73 CB500 recently and after a bit of work I got it up and running with a lot of help from this forum.
 I have read through just about every post regarding clutch adjustment and I think I may have messed things up a bit.
 I did end up freeing up the clutch, I tried every trick in the book nothing was working.
I finally got it unstuck  by riding around the neighborhood for ten minutes and then rocking the bike back and forth for about a half hour straight.
  Once I got it freed up I took it for another spin but it wouldnt really shift the clutch cable was previously adjusted all the way out so im thinking the previous owner must have had problems with it as well.
  I adjusted the cable so it would give the most slack at the top and bottom and then I adjusted from the crankcase according to the manual.
 I came across a post that hondaman had posted stating that if you try to adjust by the cable you will overcenter the lifter , I think I may have done this.
 Do I need to take the cover off and adjust something now?
 The clutch is not working now , I tried greasing the lifter but the grease went everywhere but inside the case, I tried taking the fitting off with pliers but couldnt get it off.
 The cable lining seems like it might be beat up and I have a new Honda cable so I figured I should put that on, any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Bill
 

[Fritz]

The cable lining seems like it might be beat up and I have a new Honda cable so I figured I should put that on, any help would be appreciated.

I guess, you already said what you will be doing next: Changing the clutch cable. Mabye this will cure your problem.
If not, read the shop manual carefully. Maybe you need to disassemble your clutch and make the measurements described in there.

[Helmutdiggy]

Yeah I'll be replacing the cable next .
While I have the cover off I wanted to adjust or take of whatever needs to be done if I have infact overcentered my lifter/actuator .
Thanks for the reply.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Take that cover off and have a look see inside.  Clean and lube with grease, check out how it works, it is simple once you see it.  After you see it, the adjustment and troubleshooting will be easy, and you will know it is clean and lubed nicely.  An impact screwdriver is a near certainty for removing the screws.  That tool is a must have if you work on any vintage Honda. 

[Helmutdiggy]

The previous owner replaced the top Philips bolts with allens on that cover so it should be a bit easier. The stator and points covers both have the original bolts and from what I hear they are beasts to get off.
Thanks for the replys with any luck I'll be riding it a bit later, if it doesn't snow.

[MCRider]

Realizing the OP said he would replace the cable, some comments on it may be good. An old cable, regardless of mileage, can be shot from corrosion inside from age/condensation/ etc. Even if it feels good without a load, once loaded the crap inside creates friction. Often lubing does not improve the situation.

Hard to beat a new cable. Especially OEM.

[Helmutdiggy]

Yeah the inner plastic liner is climbing out of the housing so I'm hoping it'll make the difference .