Mono: Ya it is brand new. It has never seen ice and it has already had a tank of gas through it! When it is cold, I will go out and start it just to make sure I have the carb right. And sometimes I start it just to hear the noise that I have been so longing to hear.
Seriously, the red caps are not needed. If my auger was not brand new, I would have taken them off for good. But I can't bring myself to through them away!
I also try to keep the powerhead covered with a cloth bag so nothing will get on it!