The spring clutch was notorious in those 5.5 and 7.5 horse OMC outboards for the clutch spring breaking and/or creeping up to bind against the upper casting that holds the bearing and seal under the water pump. It helps to twist the shaft as you push it back together. Later models eliminated that clutch by using a propeller with a rubber hub that would absorb shock and slip when the prop got jammed. Some disgusted owners welded them together and then used a brass shear pin for safety. . .
