Sunday snowthrowing experience was quite fun. Got 1.5 hours of quality time on the 1250 with QA42A performing admirably. The "snow dunes" averaged around 2 feet in height. Halfway through the job I heard a whalathump and saw a rubber dog toy launch about 20 feet into the air. Inspection showed no damage to impeller nor dog toy. Was driving back to garage after finishing and noticed a small track of snow that I missed. Idled engine down, engaged auger, and no auger rotation. Drive sprocket pin sheared. Timing could not have been more convenient.
First year I ran this thrower, I sheared the original spirol pin. Replaced it with a mild steel clevis pin. This lasted for 5 seasons. Think I'll refit with clevis pin again as it's much easier to change.
It was +5 degrees F (at the tractor)when engine was started that Sunday morning. Cranked through only two compression strokes and fired right up, thanks to Mobil 1 10W-30, Harbor Freight Battery Tender, and (of course) the PointSaver. Tractor and engine performed perfectly.
When employed at Mercury Marine, we tested all the popular carburetor and fuel injector cleaners available. The best (by far) was Regaine, manufactured by Gumout. Works like a chemical carburetor overhaul. Available at Target and most automotive equipment stores. Go easy on the mix as it'll eat hell out of the bowl gasket - follow the directions on bottle.