Topic: Tricky gears and gas/oil leak. Any help appreciated.

[projectile]

Hey,
Lately I have notices a puddle of oil on the ground when I park. I think I might have overfilled the oil, but after inspecting the engine all I can find is a small ammount of fuel collecting on the carb after every ride. I thought the oil might be from the transmission because I am having trouble getting into neutral and when I start the bike in first she tries to jump forward. I tried to do the service manual adjust to the clutch cable (loosen the bolt and turn the screw untill I feel a slight resistance). I am not sure if this is one problem or several problems from years of neglect (I just bought her from somone who didn't love her and never rode her), but I am already feeling an attachment to her and don't mind spending a little money and time on repair, I just want some pointers.
Thanks,
Jonathan welch and my 1971 Honda CB500

[Chrisboden]

Dumb question, but, when you park her, do you remember to turn the fuel off?

[kghost]

Clean it really really good. Then you'll find the leak.

Remember Gas running off a dirty engine will carry old oil with it and look like a leak. The difference is the smell. (and taste) If the oil drops smell like gas then the gas is picking up oil on the way to the ground (off other dirt stuff)

[Bodi]

On the clutch, the engine adjustment sets the actual clutch lifter mechanism to the right spot for 2 things; the clutch can engage completely and the clutch can disengage completely. The handlebar lever needs to be adjusted so that the clutch DOES do both these things. There should be about 1/2" of "free play" at the end of the clutch lever, that means the lever pulls in fairly easily for the first 1/2" then gets harder to pull ... the 1/2" is a safety gap to allow for engine heating and clutch wear, and the stiffer pull is the actual clutch mechanism. If the clutch slips with the lever out or drags with the lever in and you have that 1/2" of slack then the engine adjustment must be off. Or your clutch is defective or worn out. Check all the adjustments again.
The difficulty finding neutral suggests dragging. The clunking/surging forward on selecting first gear from neutral suggests incompete declutching (dragging) also. This is pretty common when riders with small hands adjust the free play too large so they don't have to pull the clutch lever hard from "way out there".

[projectile]

Thanks for the advise.
Cleaning the carbs revealed that the leak was coming from a real with a missing bolt. DONE! No more leaks!
I think I need a new clutch. I have changed the cable and adjusted it several times and it does the same thing. It also feels tight.
Thanks again,
Jonathan

[kghost]

What do you mean by tight? Does it slip?