Topic: '76 550K clutch adjustment...swear I'm trying

[Nortstudio]

1976 CB550K

I posted on here last week about doing a clutch adjustment, because of some creeping I was having while the engine was cold.  I read the FAQ and TIPS section, but I was still lost...

TT was kind enough to respond, and i immediately copied and printed out his suggestions.  I tried to do the adjustment, but didn't seem to get anywhere (my fault not his, for sure!).

For clarification, let me describe my procedure/questions, and hopefully I can nail this for good.

1.  Am I supposed to loosen the cable before I try to adjust the actuator arm?  If so, would i loosen both the handle end AND the lower end of the cable?  I have been loosening the nut, and turning the screw counter-clockwise until I feel it hit inside, and then back off (clockwise) a bit.  But I have been doing this without touching the cable.  The problem (or not) is that the dots/marks line up before I touch it, and turning the screw does not move them at all.

2.  I'm not sure I understand the cable adjustment.  I get that it's supposed to offer the "play," but I realize that not knowing if the screw/actuator adjustment is correct, I'm flying blind here.

Any clarification is much appreciated.  Somewhere here, I am going horribly wrong.

Scott

[DavePhipps]

Hope this helps

[Nortstudio]

Thanks Dave. I have this in the PDF I downloaded.

I think I have determined (with the PM help of some members) that I need to loosen the cable adjusters before I do the adjustment with the cam (line up dots). I was not doing that before, and it does not mention it in this manual (or I somehow missed it - but not for a lack of looking), and i had Not seen it in the tips section, so have not been sure if this is the proper technique.

I'm going to give it shot again tomw, loosening the cable adjusters before I address the cam adjustment.  Wish me luck.

[DavePhipps]

Actually it kind of says it in the manual, it just leaves off the part about slack cable.
Sorrry I don't post more. I was making dinner for the kids.
Baked Chicken, baked bean, and thier favorite..... RAMEN.

[Nortstudio]

No need to be sorry. It's my issue, and I appreciate the response. And I would certainly choose Ramen over this newbie question any day!

I have read and reread it, and I just didn't see the part about "step 1: loosen all the cable adjustments, before you move on to the cam adjustment". In fact, that adjustment is mentioned first, and then it mentions the cable adjustments. I think this is what confused me.

But as I'm sure you've picked up on by now, I need to be hit over the head with these things sometimes

Looking forward to trying this new method first thing tomorrow.

Thanks,

Scott

[DavePhipps]

You're right. They don't mention it.
Odd. I'll try and be more careful with my replies.

[Nortstudio]

No worries.  Believe me, I'm just glad I didn't miss it.  I really do try to search the forum and all manuals I have downloaded.  But I know sometimes I miss it...

I appreciate the help, this forum is like a safety net for noobs