Troybuilt 2620 Snowblower won't start 2nd year

Lucky us, we had a nice and heavy 12" snowfall today.

I took out my Troybuilt 2620 which I purchased Christmas Eve last year. Numerous attempts trying to start it and not even a spark.

The gas was in it over the summer, but it was stabilized. I took out the spark plug and replaced it hoping that was the problem. That didn't help.

The machine was only run around 10 hours last year in total. I know - should have tested it BEFORE it snowed, we didn't expect snow this soon.

The engine is a MTD 208cc. Note the choke on this engine is strange -- knob that turns and doesn't have a great feel to where you are. It appears to want to be full counterclockwise (bottom) when not running, slightly clockwise to start, and fully clockwise when warm/running. Hope I am getting that right (no problems last winter).

Manual is here Troy-Bilt Two Stage Snow Thrower Operator's Manual for the 2620 | ManualsOnline

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Make sure the key is pushed all the way in.

 

Took the key out and gave it a little extra nudge pushing it back in.

Started on first turn.

Thank you.