I wasnt sure wether this goes in the engine section or lower unit section with it being dead in between the two. But here goes. When a clutch goes out does it go all at once or does it start engaging some times and sometimes it doesn't. When it doesnt want to engage I can trim my motor either up or down and it will usually engage. I'm kinda leaning toward a short in a wire. But it is the first time I have had trouble with the clutch and don't know much about it.

sounds like a short.

how many hours?

Mine went out gradually. Started the same way. I had broken bands in mine. When it finally went I still got it to engage and was able to idle back to the ramp. But I couldn't get above an idle or it would slip.

just under 500hrs. I Just had it apart to change the cam and nothing looked to be broke there was a little wear in it. (light grooves) It really seems like a short. But I was looking to hear simular experiences and findings to get an idea of what I'm looking at.

I replaced my clutch last year with the same symptoms. The clutch would simply disengage at wot. Finally jiggled the clutch wire while engaged on the water and the prop stopped turning. So the clutch was fine, but the wire had a short.