Motorcycle Repair: 1970 CB350 clutch, clutch plate, clutch cable

Question
Hi,
I've recently replaced my clutch cable and am now experiencing all kinds of problems.  I will try to paint as simple picture as possible.

1. Either I pull the clutch in, hear a pop, and the clutch looses all tension.  So I take the clutch plate off, reattach the 'rotating device’ (which is near the main sprocket) and then replace the clutch cover. This normally restores the tension in the clutch cable. (my clutch is loosened at both ends to the point where it can’t be loosened anymore).

2. When I do have tension in the cable, and am able to engage the clutch, then I can’t get the bike out of first gear or neutral.  I mean, when I have tension, I can get the bike in Neutral (sometimes) and into first.  But never into second, or third or any other gear.  I’ve tried rocking the bike backwards and forwards with my foot on the change lever, and have tried forcing it into second at speed, but it just doesn’t seem to engage the gear.

So that’s my problem.  I have read other posts on the subject that resemble my problem but I just cannot understand what I am doing wrong.   I don’t understand how the ‘rotating device’ (sorry, don’t know the proper name for it) can push the clutch pull-rod in.  On my bike, the rod is not connected to anything and moves in and out freely.  Is it supposed to be attached somehow to the rotating device thing?  And how can something that moves up and down (the clutch rotating device thing) push the clutch rod in???

I’ve checked the two balled bearing things in the rotating device and they seem fine.  On that note, one thing does confuse me: one bearing is shaped like a circle but has an angled side.  Perhaps this square side is supposed to sit in a certain position??  Maybe it’s as simple as that?

I hope I’ve made it clear??

Thanks for any help!
Scott.

2.

Answer
If you look inside the clutch cover the you will find a key where that key way lines up with.  It keeps the disk from rotating when you turn the adjuster screw.  I think you will find the ball that is supposed to be inside the bore of the lifter mechanism is missing.  There's a 1/4 in diameter steel bearing that pushes against the clutch push rod as you pull in on the clutch.

If you go to this website http://www.hondaparts-direct.com/fiche_section_detail.asp  and look up the left hand rear cover for your year, you will find the exploded view of those parts and you can get a sense for how it all goes together.

Regards
Rich