if your resonably mech inclined replacing a clutch dog is easy.the part is still avaiable from brp and a few of the aftermarket guys.get a manual as there,s lots of parts in there and i proably think you dont have the gift of outboard motor parts photografic memory,lol.i laugh because i do for some odd reason,i cant explain why nor do i really wont to know!.anyways i had the exact same motor and symptoms and clutch dog it was.look closely at the part and you will see where it worn ,it quite obdvious when you take it out and inspect.remember it doesnt take much wear to affect this part.have the part right in front of me and it says , omc genuine parts clutch dog 0375783 (on the parts box).hope this helps.does that mean ineed to replace the lower unit