Starter Clutch, How do I get it out??

I have a 1981 KZ 550 that I have been restoring. I finally get it running on 3 out of 4 cylinders and now the starter clutch goes. The starter motor is still good, and I have pulled both engine side covers off, the clutch and oil pan. So now I'm trying to see what is wrong. How do I get the starter clutch shaft out? Is the engine going to have to be split? Am I missing something? HELP!! It's starting to get cold and I want to ride.....

This should be very similar to what you will have to do.

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_docman&...d&gid=389&Itemid=108

Thanks! This looks pretty good. Hopefully I'll be back to riding soon.

Yes,all of the above, and you can do it with the engine in the frame. I have done it.

You can do it with the engine in the frame but if you are farsighted like me you may want to yank the engine out of the frame. You won't have to lay on your back and it's way easier to do the starter clutch and scrape gaskets. Plus it gives you the opportunity to clean up the frame area.
Good luck,
Jim

Thanks to all for the advice. I was able to get the starter clutch out and found that the little pins and springs inside it had disintegrated to little spring pieces. New springs have been ordered because everything else still looks good. Next is to put my KZ Humpty Dumpty back together again. Thanks again and happy riding.

Aaron, I'd also replace the rollers as well as the pins and springs, just on general principles. I believe that you can get all the bits as a complete kit from most of the aftermarket guys like Z1E, etc.