Thanks for all the replies. I think this year the problem just might be the icying up theory. I'll try the duct tape idea next time I take her out.
I live in New York and we had drifts of snow that could have possibly entered through the choke plus the way I was manuvering this machine didn't help it any.
You guys are the best!
Thanks.
Erin
P.S. This year I purchased an electric power shovel plus to do the steps and narrow side yard, I can't believe the power this machine has! It threw the snow higher than my 3650. The only down side is the extension cord can be a pain in the butt (had to wrap 50' of it around my neck) and they should have adjustable vanes so that you could direct the snow where you want it to go rather than just straight ahead.