Kraig and Harry,
Thank you for the reinforcing advice on the oil. It looks as if the temperatures might get into the forties sometime next week, maybe Thursday. I'll pick up some oil, start the 1250 one more time this fall, take a ride, and run it out of gas. I'll also change the oil.
Marty,
Your comment on non-ethanol gas is an important one. In Minnesota, most gasoline purchased must have at least 7% ethanol. There is 91 octane unleaded gasoline available for watercraft, collector vehicles, etc. I don't use it. I think, based upon the teaching of a friend, that 91 octane is a bit hot for that K-301.
The gasoline that I use is an 87 octane unleaded gasoline without ethanol, which is available at one little hole-in-the-wall gas station in my neighboring town of Fargo, North Dakota. I use it in all my small engines, including my Snowblower, lawn mower, and, of course, the 1250. I'll also use it in the 782 when it is done next summer. The selling station tells me that they sell a lot of that gasoline, and they have many, many customers who have classic cars restored to original condition.
My 1250 runs well on this gas. Since I have had it, I have always used this gasoline, and treated it with an ounce of MMO to a gallon, and an ounce of Stabil to two gallons of gas. The engine has always started and the spark plug burns dry and white.
Thank you for the wisdom.