1981 KZ 650csr starter clutch issue

I've had this bike for about 3 months, has been cold hearted all along, progressivly became more difficult to start. Had carbs cleaned, spark plugs replaced and gapped properly. Now it seems when the motor fires once that the starter kicks out and makes a loud grinding noise. I removed the starter and reached in and found that the cog that the starter turns has a good bit of play, turns only counter clock wise. This leads me to believe that the starter clutch is not functioning proprerly. Question is are there any adjustments that may help extend the life of the existing starter clutch? If anyone has infommation about where I can find diagram of the starter clutch or instructions on replacement, I'd appreciate it,

Hey, I'm in the process of replacing a starter clutch in a kz750 myself. Anyway. The gear only turns freely the one direction and it is a little loose side. I'm sure what's happening is that the clutch isn't dis-engaging after the motor starts up and this is causing your sound. (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. ).

As far as extending the life of the clutch you may want to take it apart and replace the springs and rollers in it. Unfortunately for me mine was shot beyond repair and I needed to replace mine. I couldn't even turn my motor over it was that bad.

Here's a post related to how the clutch works: kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=2&id=386246#386252

Here's a PDF file for taking out the starter clutch (Someone else made this file and I found it on the forum so I take no credit for it what so ever):: kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_docman&...d&gid=389&Itemid=108

Welcome to the forum!

This post over at 650info has a wright up on the starter clutch, gotta log in to get the download though.
forums.kz650.info/index.php?topic=2482.0

Welcome, both of you.

Thank you for the info and links.... the PDF file will come in handy..... This seems like a place for reliable info, I'm grateful that I came across it!