Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): who makes a spirit snowthrower, metal flange, snowthrower

Question
just bought a used 8hp 27" spirit snowthrower, said he bought it last year.  can't for the life of me figure out who made this machine or model number, it  has a tecumseh motor. any ideas?
also they put a fuel shutoff valve on it to stop the smell or leaking of fuel thru carb i guess when not in use.  They would shut off the valve just before getting done using it and let the machine use up what is in the bowl.  Is this alright to do?  I  took the bowl off and looked at the float, looked like someone had bent the metal flange that holds the needle, i straightened it but have no idea if it worked or not, do i have the right idea?  sorry for being so winded, and thanks

Answer
It's difficult to say who made it without seeing the blower.  MTD, Murray and a couple of other companies build machines and brand under another name.

As the shut-off vavle it will not hurt anything, probably a good idea.

For the float, the tang should be bent a little.  Bending the tang sets the float height.  The float should sit parallel to the carb when you turn the carb upside down.

Does this make sense?
Let me know.
Eric