clutch sticking? - ideas?

[b_bear58]

I have just redone the gaskets and timing chain on the top half of the
engine. and it starts! Buuuut....
For some reason, the clutch won't disengage when I press the pedal. I
can see the cable moving in the engine bay. It pulls the lever on the
side of the clutch. I didn't disconnect the clutch at all, just the
exhaust stuff so I could remove the head.
Is there possibly a hold-down that keeps the cable in place, or an
adjustment that I need to make. I figure I should ask the experts
before I start worrying too much.
Thanks!
Alan

[zinc2u]

Hi Alan,
You have a bolt (and a nut) at the lower end of the lever (which you say
you can see moving) which is for the clutch adjustment. It uses a 12 mm
wrench to adjust. Was your clutch working before you did the engine work? The
clutch cable is captured at the top of the clutch housing by the holder cast
into the housing. It has a slot at the top so you can slide the clutch
cable into it.
good luck,
Dale
For some reason, the clutch won't disengage when I press the pedal. I
can see the cable moving in the engine bay. It pulls the lever on the
side of the clutch. I didn't disconnect the clutch at all, just the
exhaust stuff so I could remove the head.

[feltonminicycle]

When a Honda 600 sits for a long time the pressure plate and
flywheel rust to the friction disc. If you are pushing in the clutch
and it won't disengage this is most likely the problem. You can do
one of 3 things. Sit in the car in 2nd gear and press on the clutch,
have a strong friend or your mother in law rock the car until it
busts loose. 2. Start the car with it in gear and the clutch pushed
in. If you don't break the transmission, the clutch should break
free. 3. remove the clutch pressure plate, sand all surfaces and
reassemble. #3 is the best choice for safety for you & the car, but
the others work also. Try adjusting the clutch so you have 1/2"
freeplay before you try breaking it free also.
Miles

[alan]

Thanks Miles.
I've tried the first two methods to no avail, though my mother inlaw as not
willing to participate. I also tried a long rod on the end of an air hammer
to try and shake it loose (the end was padded), but that didn't work either.
Is there an easy way, short of pulling the engine, to get to the clutch. The
manual says it can be done with the engine in the car, but the pictures all
show it out.
I just got everything back together again, and really don't want to tear it
apart if I don't have to.
thanks!
_____

[honda_gord]

I experienced the same thing when I purchased my N600. I tried
the "breaking it loose" method and it didn't work for me. Bad news was
that the centre of the clutch disc is now loose and made a lot of
noise when the engine was running. I pulled the clutch disc out, ran
the engine and the noise was gone. I have a new clutch disc coming and
am hoping for the best. It's not that bad to get apart. I pulled the
exhaust pipe off, and the bracket for the exhaust. (three bolts to the
clutch housing) Loosen the bolt for the clutch adjustment and remove
the cable. It's only 4 bolts to pull off the housing. Eight more bolts
to remove the pressure plate and then carefully jiggle the disc loose.
I was lucky to have my car on a lift to take it apart. It's now at
home and will be assembled on the floor. Best of Luck!!
Gordon

[Kelly]

Alan,
Do you have the Service manuals for these Honda's?
If not, they are located at
http://www.honda600coupe.com/Manuals,_b ... ments.html
Large files but very handy for dissassembly, assembly, and repairs.
Wayne