Clutch Engagement/Adjustment Question

Sorry for a dumb question but I want to make sure I understand the operation before I pull the cover and attempt an adjustment...
79 CR 250...the clutch doesn't engage until almost all the way out at the lever..there is some free play at the bar lever..will the internal free play adjustment give me engagement sooner? If so should I increase the internal free play or decrease?..I'm assuming and increase in free play at the actuator lever on the motor will but want to verify before I remove the cover. Conversely my 72 WR does not fully disengage and drags a little when the lever is fully pulled in decrease internal free play?

thanks
Bob

If you have freeplay at lever, I don't think the internal mechanism is your issue. Late engagement is usually something worn or incorrectly assembled. I would lay the bike over, pull the clutch cover off and check all components for wear and correct installation order. Things to look for:

1. worn friction plates
2. ridges or wear areas on the clutch basket fingers (slots on the basket that the friction plates fit into)
4. Correct number and order of friction and metal plates.
5. Look at parts fiche and confirm all the parts are there like push rod top hat, washer, bearing, etc.

On your bike that is not fully disengaging, take some free play out at the lever if you can, then adjust internal one. If that does not do it, you may have warped metal discs (they drag), worn clutch basket fingers (drag) worn push rod or worn clutch activator, or something missing in the push rod/bearing assembly.

I check the free movement at the lever at the case. If it has too much then remove the clutch cover and make the release shaft longer with the setscrew. I adjust the lever so it has around 1/8” to 3/32” movement.

Here are the first three pages referring to the clutch from of the Husky Shop Manual.

Next two pages.

Final last page.