On my old 86 200 when I got the cylinder replated, a lot of crud got in the shaft bore when it went through the process. I tried to clean all the metal fragments out, but they didn't all come out even after two or three cleanings with solvent, dental pick and compressed air. So fragments would migrate out of some nook or cranny and stick the actuating shaft. I'd be out on a ride and lose all my top end. :whoa: So I'd stop, remove the cover and unbolt the shaft, pull the shaft all the way out for wide open stuff, then push it in for the technical sections. Finally (with a few more cleanings) all the metal shavings worked their way out and the shaft worked properly again. :cool:
Usually the part that people break on later models is the lower part that connects to the centrigal governer in the primary case. The little foot is very brittle (and only about 7 bucks to replace). If that part broke off and the previous guy that worked on the bike didn't get it out of the primary case, it could damage some gears in there.