Clutch replaced, won't disengage

[Rob81]

Hey guys,

Replaced the springs and clutch plates.

How far to I tighten the 6 springs down? Until taught then 1.5 turns back?

I don't want to add oil and waste it again!

Rob

[mike_of_bbg]

Unless the GS850 clutch is very different from the GS550, there should be a torque spec for those bolts. You would not want to back them out at all - they would eventually come fully loose! No doubt if you replaced the plates that you'll need to adjust the clutch cable to account for the extra thickness. That's probably why your clutch is not disengaging. Did you download the service manual from BassCliff's site?

Not sure about an 850, but on the 8V 550s you can leave the bike on the side stand and open the clutch cover without losing any oil.

Edit: the torque spec for the spring bolts is 8-9.5 ft*lbs (p. 94, or 7-38 in BassCliff's service manual), and the cable adjustment procedure is on p.33 (3-13)

[chef1366]

Tighten until snug. They won't back out.

[Rob81]

I'm going to try to set the bike on the side and pull the cover. Tighten them down and mess with the cable.

[Rob81]

got it, works perfectly. Tightened them down till taught.