I have a 1980 Honda CX500 with Clutch problems. Is there supposed to be oil in the clutch housing?

We were driving the bike and it started to slip out of gear. Now we can shift without the clutch in every gear and nothing graps so we figure the clutch went out. When we took the clutch cover plate off and oil came out. Also does anyone know where we can get a manual on line for this bike?I have a 1980 Honda CX500 with Clutch problems. Is there supposed to be oil in the clutch housing?
When you say 'slipping out of gear' do you mean the clutch was slipping? First check the adjustment of the clutch cable (the knurled adjusters are where the cable enters the clutch lever).





If the clutch disengages but is slipping, you probably need new clutch plates. Bikes run engine oil to lubricate the gears- as opposed to cars which have separate engine and gearbox- so the oil is no problem. It's not too hard a job, but if you're not into mechanical stuff get a workshop to do it. Replace both sets of clutch plates at once: there are wearing plates, which have a material on them like brake linings, and driven plates, plain steel plates the other plates push on and drive. If you are going cheap, make it clear you ONLY want the first set of plates changed. Springs are the same- replace for a 'proper job', leave in the old ones if you need to save money or want to get rid of the bike soon.





If you do the job yourself, check the plain steel plates are not warped: place them on a piece of glass. Hold the clutch basket still by wrapping tyre inner tube around it: be careful not to damage it. Don't forget to buy a new clutch cover gasket.





If, on the other hand, the clutch is engaged all the time (no slipping- and effectively no way to disengage the drive without selecting neutral at the gear box) then the clutch plates are sticking together. This often happens if a bike has been sitting. Change the oil and fit new clutch springs.I have a 1980 Honda CX500 with Clutch problems. Is there supposed to be oil in the clutch housing?
You can get a manual here -


http://www.motocom.com/motorcycles/
Yes it's supposed to have oil in the clutch, it's a wet clutch just like 95% of bikes are these days. You probably just need new clutch plates. Don't know where you can get a manual online but you can get one from ebay or honda for under $40. It's worth it to have it as a book so you can take it with you into the garage.