GT550 Starter Clutch Replacement

[jmcgill89]

I've got my '74 GT550 in the basement to do some restoration work.

One of the major things I'm going to do is install a new-style starter clutch. I have the Suzuki Service Manual, but it doesn't go into too much detail about changing the clutch.

Is it a hard process, or is it pretty straight-forward in terms of draining the oil, removing the cover, etc?

Thanks,

Joe

[oldjapanesebikes]

Not too much to it at all - its a drop in fit. I posted a few photos on this page.

[jmcgill89]

What did you use to hold the clutch basket while removing that 32mm nut?

[oldjapanesebikes]

Nothing - just used an electric impact gun, but an air impact gun would also work. Makes life easy Before that, I used an old drive sprocket - everyone has lots of them laying around - with a piece of flat iron bolted to it and a block of wood to lock the tranny, and a johnson bar on the nut.

One of the other board members used to offer a special clutch basket lock tool that he made - perhaps he will chime in with some additional info.

[Coyote]

It's easy on a 550. Just stuff a rag between the crank gear and primary gear. Like this............................

[iagsxr]

Timely topic,

I kilt the starter clutch in my 72 550 trying to get it running last night.

Can you visually inspect them to determine goodness?

I have a 75 motor under the bench, another 72 parts bike. My preference would be to cob a clutch from one of those.

[jmcgill89]

Coyote,

Thanks for the pic. My impact wrench is in the garage, and the bike's in the basement, so that towel trick is fantastic!

As for iagsxr...use the clutch from the '75. That should be the new-style starter clutch. The one on the '72 would be the old style.

[oldjapanesebikes]

Anything after engine GT550-63692 should have the new style starter clutch.

[iagsxr]

Thanks,

So I'll be able to tell if the clutch is good or not?

I've never had a lick of trouble with the one in my 75.

[oldjapanesebikes]

The clutch ? or the starter clutch ? If you followed the link in my earlier post then the pictures show what a broken starter clutch looks like. The clutch itself, you just need to check the plates with a digital calliper etc. There is a shop manual available on line - just click here.

[iagsxr]

Sorry missed your link.

Starter clutch, never had to fool with the one in my 75.

[Coyote]

My 75' 550 had the early style starter clutch that had self destructed. Found the later starter clutch (complete clutch package) on ebay for $39.00 BIN.

[jmcgill89]

I got lucky and found a guy dismantling a 1977 GT550...he pulled the clutch assembly out and mailed it to me for $45.

I just have to make some time to install it.