78 GS550 Clutch Issue . . . Help Please

[ajgs550]

Ok . . . I rebiult the engine in my 78 550 and everything started up, and it runs great. But once I put the clutch cover on and tried to adjust my clutch, I could get no clutch. I can take the clutch push rod (rod that enters the engine) and move it back and forth freely about an inch. When I went through the motor only took it down to the juggs (left the pistons in) and took both side covers, and the oil pan off for inspection and new gaskets. I had the engine upside down at a few points. Is there something that would cause my clutch push rod to become misaligned
I have used up all Adjustments possible, and still no clutch. I love this website and it has been I guide thus far. I'm reaching out!! Please Help

[bonanzadave]

ECHO ECHO ECHOOO

Browse through the Clutch Odds and Ends at Cliffs website

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/...ds-n-ends.html

[Nessism]

Did you pull the helix out of the sprocket cover? It's easy to get it out of phase if you did. To fix it you need to remove the helix again, rotate it, and stick it back in. Play around with the position until you get the clutch back.

[ajgs550]

Round 2 . . .

Thanks for the input guys . . . I still have had no luck. I never removed the return spring on the Helix so I know that isn't out of fase, it is in the same position that I removed it. After my last post I Adjust the set screw on the outside of the helix that actual sets against the clutch push rod as far in as it could go. This allowed me to depress the clutch lever about half way, and then it stopped, and I heard clicking noises from the gear box (engine was running). So that was obviously too far, does anyone know what the clicking could be?

After that happened I started to think about when I when I rebuilt the engine. I had small amounts of dirt fall into the engine so I removed the oil pan and flushed it out a little with some solvent and some brake cleaner. Would this affect my clutch? I know removing oil from a wet clutch is the last thing you want to do, but is it possible that I just can't get separation due to a lack of oil in my clutch?? I can get it adjusted where it feels like I have good clutch on the handle lever, but nothing. I am going to try adjusting it again to the point where it feels like I have clutch and rocking it back and fourth on the ground (bike was up on center stand) with the clutch lever depressed, and see if anything frees up. Any other suggestions out there? Thanks for the responses!

[Old Colt]

If the clutch lever feels proper go out and ride the bike. Ride it with the lever pulled in till the clutch releases. Once it starts slipping the oil will wash between the plates again.

Or if you do not fancy that method, pull the clutch cover off and open the clutch up. Pick the plates out and free them up. if you oil them up and re-install them you should have a working clutch.

If you lay the bike over to the chain side you can pull the clutch cover without draining the engine.

[ajgs550]

Fixed . . .

All I had to do is adjust the clutch, and Put it in gear and ride it down about 1/2 a block and the wham! . . .clutch was working. Must have just taken a while to get enough oil for separation Works great now!

[Old Colt]

The plates at times do stick together.
In my 550 I have been running Castrol R, it is a bean oil. I find that the clutch is stuck after it sits just a short while. I just fire it up and ride off without the clutch. It frees up and is fine from then on, well till it sits for awhile again.