Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

What can cause a total carb failure? I bought a used 10 hp craftsman snowblower last year and have yet to have it blow snow. The engine stalls when coming under any load. I have soaked and rebuilt the carb numerous times without solving the problem. When I prime the engine (typically the first pump) gas sprays out the side of the carb body through a small pinhole. This hole is to the right of the welch plug, in the area of the heater box bracket. What would cause this, and is it time to just break down and put on a new carb? The engine is running WOT at 3600 rpm, and making the mixture richer has not solved it. New spark plug, loosened fuel cap, no help. No stuck valve. When engaging the auger after the previous stall the engine will toss the remant snow well, but once I move into new snow it bogs and stalls almost immediately. Any other thoughts on the cause?