GS550 Heavy clutch

[JEEPRUSTY]

My clutch linkage is lubed and is light as a feather.

[tkent02]

My clutch linkage is lubed and is light as a feather.

How does the cable attach to the engine?

I think they got rid of th helix setup because it wasn't as easy to pull.

[koolaid_kid]

Nope. Still there.

[tkent02]

Huh, Blue waterproof grease, Tractor supply. I'll try it. Who makes it?

Been using the red synthetic stuff, also tried White Lithium.

[JEEPRUSTY]

Helix is in the 83-86s.

[tkent02]

So apparently from '77 to '86. Good to know.

[koolaid_kid]

Huh, Blue waterproof grease, Tractor supply. I'll try it. Who makes it?

Been using the red synthetic stuff, also tried White Lithium.

Not sure, Tom. I buy the tube that fits in my grease gun, so I can't really take it out to read the name brand. Good stuff, though. IIRC, bwringer uses a red grease in a can that has the same properties. Been a while, though, so I have slept since then.

[Tomcat]

I've been using this "blue waterproof" grease for years
Buy it at bike shops here

http://www.belray.com/bel-ray-waterproof-grease

[Tomcat]

Dismantled Helix today... No lube and missing ball 4 ball bearings, lovely!

[BigD_83]

There you go...that explains it.

[Tomcat]

There you go...that explains it.

Glad I asked here, found the issue first place I looked.
Also found a frayed, supposedly new clutch cable. That's trouble just waiting to happen.

[JEEPRUSTY]

cable failing due to binding.
Its odd to lose the balls they are sort of well caged.
Someone may have been in there and washed out all the lube and or dicked with the mechanism.

[Tomcat]

I think cable failing due to inept installation
Same can be said for ball bearings missing
Like my Daddy used to say... "the harder you look, the more you find"

[Tomcat]

Installed the Helix with the right number of ball bearings, lots of blue waterproof grease and a properly routed and lubed clutch cable today...
Huge improvement, feels like a normal clutch now.

Thanks for the correct advice.

[jbthomp]

I guess I need to get to work on mine too. My left forearm is getting a hell of a workout LOL.