Read this.
A while back I picked up a 78 750F, tried to check compression, kicker was limp, I was pissed
Then in Feb in a cold snap, I had a few days where the kicker on my daily rider froze and did not work.. I would bumpstart it. and then it would work again
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So I am thinking, if you strip out the clutch and cover, you MIGHT be able to get at the ratchet and pawl, and lube the snot out of it, or free it up.. IF.....IF the spring and pawl are still in there. But I am not sure it can be reached or done, but it is worth looking at.
If anyone has a engine with cluch basket out, maybe they can take a look for us?