Can't get clutch cover off!!? Help?

Hi guys...I have an '82 xj550 Maxim with a clutch that's shot. I attempted to remove the clutch cover tonight to yank the clutch and install my rebuild kit. BUT... I took all the bolts out of the cover and I can't get the cover off. I used a small pry bar so as not to damage anything and all I get is about 1/4 inch of play and it snaps right back into place like it's held on with springs or something. I have done clutch jobs on many other bikes in the past and never seen anything like this. What is it I am missing here. What is holding the cover on? It's not the gasket hanging up, it actually feels mechanical. Do I have to disconnect the clutch cable and rotate the shaft 180 degrees or some deal like that? Naturally, I have no manual, but didn't think it necessary as this shouldn't be a rocket science project. Any help or ideas appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Eric

 

The arm the the clutch cable connects to needs to come off there is a spring on it that would keep the cover from comming off.

 

Just so, the 650s are different, as you can leave the arm on..........

 

No, the spring won't keep the cover on. In fact, if everything is exactly right it will help try to push the cover OFF.

Are you SURE you got all the bolts? One of my POs missed one, I ended up with a clutch cover with the lower front "ear" welded back on.

There are 10.

Two of those have locating collars on them that can get stuck, that may be what you're experiencing. One is on the bolt just forward of the sight glass, and one is on the 3rd bolt rearward counting from the sight glass.

You need to pry GENTLY at those two points while withdrawing the cover, it should come right off. You can leave the arm and spring on during disassembly, just like the bigger bikes. There should be nothing else holding it on, just be sure you have all 10 bolts out.

You need to know this to reassemble a 550 clutch:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=22927.html

 

I stand corrected. I just remember the book saying to take it off (for my 750). These guys have done a lot more work on these biles than I have. I've only done one clutch removal. :?

 

You might have one that's "Baked on"

If you have double-checked and ALL the Fasteners are removed and the Cover won't budge, ...

Buy a Putty Knife
Cut the metal knife leaving 1-3/4" of the knife part below the handle.
Sharpen the remaining knife part to a razor edge.
Bottom and SIDES!
(Use a sharpening Stone if you have one.)

Employ this tool as a Wedge.
Carefully "Tap" the Tool on the Gasket Material between the Clutch Case and Cover.

When you get the Tool IN Between the Cover and Engine ...
Tap the Handle --> Side -to- Side
Spray the Entry Point with Disc Brake Cleaner or Rubbing Alcohol.

Let the Solvent help you dissolve the Gasket Sealant.

 

Thanks for thw tips. Here is what I found and ended up doing. May be handy info for future. I verified all 10 bolts out and then pried from both sides evenly. The cover "snapped" back in place with authority! I ended up removing the c-clip off the shaft and popping off the lever. then I rotated the shaft 180 degrees and the cover FELL OFF! Turns out there are teeth on one side of the shaft that runs thru the cover and mesh with the shaft on the clutch. If you don't turn the lever so it disengages it pulls the whole clutch basket when you try to remove the cover.