The 4-5 drops don't hurt anything besides the clean floor. It is a common mistake to overtighten that bolt, so you are thinking smart there. I had this issue with my kicker when I had a water pump seal go. Another time the little plastic collar had broke, but was hard to find until disassembled. There is no tool to pull the clutch, but there is one to hold the basket still. an impact would help you remove it, but the little tool for holding the basket is handy for tightening the clutch nut down. Hughes is right, taking it apart, may save you the money. Any goop or issue with getting all the spring tension to the gear would hold you up. The slipping is what is wearing the teeth, so you may be adding to the parts needed by putting off the repair. Ebay is risky business. I've got a box full of crap that I got a goo deal on, but was the wrong parts or for the wrong bike or already wore out. If nothing is broken or wore-out, that tip about stretching the spring out might be the ticket.
