QuestionHi Bill: I have a 1974 CB550. When I pull the clutch cable in, the cable doesn't spring back, and the cable appears to pull out of the silver "sleeve" near the knurled wheel at the lever, leaving the lever flopping around. Can you explain how to adjust the cable from scratch in plain english? Or do I need a new cable? Thanks!
AnswerMike, the simple possibility is that you need a new cable, which is likely after 32 years. Corrosion builds up inside the sleeve and the wire strands will fail, causing it to bind internally. Loosen the adjusters on both ends, remove the cable and check the function. Sometimes, you can run some penetrating oil down the cable, to help break up the rust, but if it is stiff and hanging up internally, then it is time for a new cable.
On a potentially more technically level, sometimes the shaft going into the clutch cover gets a corrosion buildup, causing it to hang during rotation. There is an external return spring on the clutch release arm that is supposed to provide the return action when you release the lever. If the lever is not returning, then the clutch cover will have to be removed, then the release mechanism disassembled, shaft cleaned and everything back together again with new gaskets and seals.
Go to http://www.powersportspro.com/partsfish/login.asp sign up and log in. Check the HONDA MOTORCYCLE option, then use the 1977-78 CB550K illustrations, which are better than the 1976 CB550 ones. The right crankcase cover option will show you the exploded view of the clutch release parts.
Bill Silver
www.vintagehonda.com
