83 kz650 starter clutch problem?

Question

When starting there is a grinding sound and motor will not turn over. It will not push start either. I was told it would be the starter clutch, but after taking apart i found there are two allen bolts on the starter clutch that are finger tight. Could this cause slippage and Should these be tight and could it be the problem?

There is a grinding sound when the starter is engaged, it will not turn the motor over but it is not locked up, it sounds like gears slipping.

Answer 1

The starter clutch will have no affect on push starting.
The allen bolts should be tight.
Check the "surface" of the gear that the clutch "grabs".
Any waves or dis-coloration and it should be changed along with the starter clutch rollers and springs.
When you say "will not turn over", do you mean the engine is locked up and won't turn?
If you mean it won't start/run, check for spark, change the plugs and clean the carbs.

Answer 2

While it sounds certain that your starter clutch is in need of repair the fact that your bike will not push start either raises other serious red flags. Is the engine in fact able to turn over, if you don't know you had better check that first.