I recently picked up a 88 big bear that the guy claimed didn't run. After a good carb cleaning and valve adjustment it runs like a champ. I have however been having problems with the clutch.

When you shift it does not hit neutral with the pedal all the way up or down like it should. I first tried adjusting the clutch with the screw on the cover. All that did is make the pedal tighter but still not engaging the clutch to nuetral. I pulled The cover off and made sure everything was assymbled correctly and I noticed that the compression springs on the clutch plate were compressed all the way down and even with a punch and hammer the clutch would not release tension. I took out the springs and shortened all of them to where I could release tension if I really tried but wont slip when riding. I put it back together and now I cant seem to get the clutch lever (not sure of exact term hopefully u know what i'm talking about) to adjust in far enough to touch the clutch to engage it when you shift gears. When I run the adjustment screw all the way in and go to tighten the lock nut it just pulls the screw back outwards about an 1/8 -1/4" before the lock nut tightens.

Anyone had this problem or have any insight?

Thanks,
jswente