Clutch help please

I have an 82 kz550 i was trying to adjust clutch cable per manual. Got everything finished pressed the clutch and heard a pop behind sprocket cover. Took the sprocket cover off. Thinking cable was broke. Cable was fine nothing looked broke. Lubed cable since it was all apart. Put everything back together tried again. I got the same pop sound. Anyone know what i could have done wrong. Clutch feels dead like cable is broke or full of play. Thank you

Did you have adjust the clutch release mechanism first?

I don't know what the problem is, but just in case. when doing the clutch adjustment on the 550, I think you're supposed to turn the clutch release adjusting screw counterclockwise first until hard to turn, then clockwise 1/4 turn. It's kind of counter-intuitive. Some manuals don't specify the direction.

My 81 KZ650-CSR is counterclockwise first as noted in the owner's manual & factory service manual. Also, there should be a cotter pin that helps to keep the cable end seated in the engine/sprocket cover. Without the cotter pin, if you don't maintain cable tension when re-installing the sprocket cover, the cable end can become unseated. I install a new ss 1/16 x1-1/4" cotter pin from the hardware store each time.
....

I think youre right on the adjuster. My book says in till and back out 1/2 a turn. Also my book doest say anything about how cable should stay in cover. Im gonna work on it this morning. Hopefully these two things are my problems.

Have you tried this book?

www.kzrider.com/modules/ServiceManuals/Kz400500550_79to83.pdf

Does anyone know how to tell if clutch is properly adjusted? Rode it down the road. Runs amazing. I saw on youtube the guy put bike on center stand started it and said make sure wheel doesnt spin while engine is running. Mine isnt spinning. Only reason asking is i smell something when bike is running, but i also lubed the chain yesterday so it could be just lube burning off. Sorry this reply may sound stupid. Just making sure its running properly.

Hi , speaking of lubricating the cable, don't forget to do the clutch cable pivot point. Photo B31 is a great picture of the cable end in the lever. Where the barrel of the cable rotates inside the lever. As long as the barrel can rotate properly, the chance of the cable breaking at the end is prevented. With that being said, this area is open for dirt to enter so keeping it clean is important as well. File any sharp edges too.

( Don't ask me how I know, and what a pain in the ass it was getting home...)

That YouTube dude is full of bs. There are two things to look for-
1. Does the lever have the factory specified free play?
2. When the clutch lever is pulled fully back to the grip (clutch disengaged), do you have to let the lever out a bit before the clutch starts to engage?
If yes to both questions, it is fine. Go ride the thing.
If no to one or both, something needs attention.

The above message is based on the assumption that the factory specified adjustment procedure was carefully followed.

Yeah those two things are golden. Everything seems to be great now. Once i adjusted it the opposite way..went out then in. Its been great. I appreciate everyones help. I haven't owned a bike in 10 years. It wasnt running when i bought it so still trying to get the feel of it.