1933 VH500 decompression lever hard to operate

[Simonpsmith]

So I can only get the lever to move when the exhaust valve is compressed.
At any other part of the engine cycle it won't budge.
Does it need adjustment? If so how?
I did locate a parts diagram but it didn't explain setup.
Thanks in advance....

[volker.halbach]

I think the decompressor sits on the inside of the rockerbox where its hard to reach (not on the outside of the engine plate). Right? The only adjustment I can think of is the position of the lever on the spindle of the valve lifer. This lever is a taper fit on the spindle. You can unscrew the lock nut, break the taper fit, move the arm in the best position, and then assemble everything again. Of course, you have most leverage when the arm is at a right angle to the cable. The problem is that I have never managed to make the adjustment without either removing the tank or the rocker box. At least on my 350 the rocker box can be removed without touching the tank.

[Simonpsmith]

Update - I disconnected the cable and found that I could operate the lever by hand, albeit with fair resistance from the valve spring (but that is a good thing!).
So I will investigate the cable and lever for fouling - I think the actual mechanism is fine.

[Simonpsmith]

Turns out the mechanism (lifter shaft) is badly worn so I have put a wanted post on the forum.