Im puttin on a new clutch that will be here tomorrow. I have my rig stripped down but cant figure out how to get the old clutch off. I think it has something to do with the slot I circled in red. Is that it and what kind of tool removes the clutch? Thanks guys.

The slot is for the key way on the engine shaft. nothing to do with it not coming off ( unless the key is sheard.)

I just went through this a few days ago. its more than likely froze up on the crank shaft by rust. a good quality penatrating oil will be your best friend right now. Let it soak!! also make a couple wooden wedges and tap them in on the top of the clutch. (as per Peck at PD)

I had to go all postal on mine but it finally came off ( in 3 pieces lol)

good luck.

I just used a bearing puller to get mine off.
a little penatrating oil and use the puller or wooden wedges( as BB said).

Thanks Guys. I put the bearing puller on it and torqued it up and NOTHING. Got the wedges set and started hammerin. After almost panic time the puller fell off. Sure enough I looked and it moved about 1/4 of an inch. After that it was all gravey. Going to polish up the shaft before I stick the new clutch on. Thanks Again Guys.

after you clean up the shaft apply a thin coat of never-sieze to the shaft before installing the new clutch. it will help you alot next time around

Here is the problem with my old clutch.

COOOOL! You got 4 pieces!

I've got a 32 PD and I've been looseing speed but not everytime I run. No grass or trash on motor. RPM's are about 3850. Does this sound like something you expeirenced???

Around 5000 RPM out of water. The boat doesn't loose RPM's while this is happening. Local shop said it sounds like my clutch is going out. Another guy was saying the "dieode" may be going out. Not sure on the Spelling of that but it's an electrical component near the inner side of flywheel is what he said.?

Is your motor modded?

Something ain't right if you are @ 5k out of water and 3850 in water

I have no modifications to motor. I need a new prop I've got about 1/2'' missing in length from end to end. But that shouldn't make the boat loose speed. I'm going to replace the prop tommorow and change all my fluids plus the plug. That's all I know to do. I just was wondering if your motor was doing the same and that's why you had to change the clutch.

you need a new prop, and your motor is not running 5000 rpm.

do u cut ur own grass?

Yes I cut my own Grass. ?
And I want to clear something up that I feel is giving some confusion. When I say I'm experiencing speed loss I'm talking when I'm up and running at speeds in the mid to low 20's I'm lossing speed after I've been running for awhile. Then it feels like I'm pulling the achore. Just lossing speed at a gradual pace down to a crawl. I'll stop pull up the prop to see if I'm dragging something then it will run fine for a few hundred yrds then go back down to a crawl. I don't loose rpm's, just speed. Does that sound like a Clutch problem?