Krank

I got a Simplicity 1428 this fall and I have only had the oppourtunity to use it just 3 times this winter. The first time I used it, it took a while to get used to the electric chute. This morning I had the great chance to use it again and I can say I absolutely love it.

Before I bought it  I did as much research as I could. I knew the previous Pro models had the electric chute and I talked to my dealer's mechanic about the reliability. He and I get along very well and I do not believe that he would bs me. He said that they have had no issues with this feature. He did say to make sure after using it to make sure that you clean any snow or ice off the chutes rotation gear and any contacts.

This machine rocks!.

If you're getting gas out of the carb, you're flooding it. You should only need to press the primer 3 to 5 times. When was the last time you changed the spark plug? Did you drain the gas from last year and run the carb dry?
 If the electric start is not working, it sounds as if you may have other issues as well.

From your description it seems that you may be leaving the choke engaged for too long; you're starving the engine for air.
When my engine is cold I pump the primer 3 to 4 times, open the throttle full open and fully engage the choke. After 3 to 5 seconds back off the choke to half,  wait a few more seconds and then open the choke all the way.
After the engine is warmed up and you have to shut the engine down and then restart, you should not have to use the primer or use the choke to start. When the engine is hot I usually use 3/4 throttle to re-start.

Just to add my piece. If you can get the bigger engine for the same price, I would go for it. The 13.5 ft/lbs of torque sure makes a difference in heavy wet snow and the EOD.
I have the new 09/10 model Simplicity 1428 and put it to use the other morning in 6 to 7 inches of heavy wet stuff. The 305cc engine didn't blink.

We had about 6"-7" of wet heavy snow yesterday morning and it was my chance to finally use the new Simplicity 1428. I have been waiting for any opportunity to use it.
She fired up on the first pull and ate that heavy crap without a sneeze or hiccup. It was most impressive how far she could throw it. My old MTD would have been whimpering and be wanting to go back to the garage with heavy snow like that.  I did my driveway and my two next door neighbors. Easy Steer is the cat's meow and once I got used to the electric chute rotation and chute control I was flying - in a controlled way of course.

I'm going to put on an hour meter this weekend to keep track of things.