Well I got it back and there was some stuff in the carb, not much though. Guys at Four Seasons said the bigger issue is that the manual has an error. This is what is said:
"The choke control is found on the rear of the engine and is activated by rotating the knob clockwise. Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine"
Later they tell you to activate the choke and , once warmed up to turn it off. They got it backwards. To turn on the choke, you turn it COUNTER CLOCKWISE.
Well, I was starting it with the choke off ( still started on the first or second pull - very nice) and slowly engagine the choke as it wasmed up. This is why I couldn't go beyond 1/4 rotation.
Hopefully someone at MTD will catch this and update the manual.....
Today it snowed 3-4 inches and I must say, now that I know how to operate it properly, it purred like a kitten. No sputtering or anything. Nice and smooth and not too loud (Unfortunately I do not have a point of reference to other snow throwers but based on other yard equipment, it is not too bad).For only a 5 HP motor, it threw the snow with the deflector a little on about 10-20 ft. I couldn't let it go too far otherwise I would be throwing it into my neighbors driveway. On the other hand, the snow today was light, not our typical wet heavy stuff.
I think I will very satisfied with this thrower.
Thanks to all that offered advice.
Frank