Cant get clutch handle to move

Hello. I am very new to this forum and its been helping me a lot the last couple of days so forgive me for my dumb question and misuse of terms but I need some help. I recently picked up a 82 XJ550 Maxim (My first bike) for $100. I definitely wouldn't consider myself mechanically inclined but I wanted to take on the project. When I try to pull the clutch level it just wont budge. I followed it down to the clutch push lever and it only moves a tiny bit so I thought maybe that was maybe rusted or stuck so I took off the clutch casing and with the casing off and all cleaned up the push lever moves smoothly. So that leads me to the inside of the clutch and that's where I would say I'm "Stuck" at. When I put the clutch casing back on it goes back to just wiggling about a quarter turn until it locks up. The bike has been sitting for an extremely long time but a lot of the insides look in good condition so I don't know if its locked up Like i said this is my first bike so I could be looking over something small but any help is greatly appreciated

 

After posting I'm realizing that the clutch is probably seized up and doesn't have much to do with the push lever. Still any help is greatly appreciated

 

I had that same issue with mine that had sat for a long time. Whether from oil contamination or drawing moisture, the friction plates and discs had corroded themselves together.

This post by bigfitz52 is superb and explains everything for assembly.

https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/clutches-101-part-1-the-400-550-600s-with-pics.29541/

In my case, I cleaned everything up with sandpaper with the intentions of getting the bike running and then replacing the clutch. I haven't changed it yet because it doesn't slip or chatter, but I keep a close eye on it.

Good luck on the bike. $100 is cheap education if nothing else.

 

We want to see pics of the bike you got for $100 too when you get a chance.

 

Welcome to the forum, take s cresent wrench put it on the clutch arm where the cable attaches see fit you can move the arm back and forth . This may free it up without pulling cover off, if bike sits for a long time on the side stand the oil will flow to that side and will not be over the clutch plates as much .