Yes it is gone lol, but that just happened tonight.
It was binding, so I popped the c ring off and was hoping the rod would just slip out. Well it doesnt.
I lost the c clip when I popped it off.
Brings up another question, by chance, do you know if I can order a new one.
The butterfly deal you mentioned sounds like what is going on. That makes sense. Soft metal bends very easily. I will just take carb off and check it out. it runs so good though, it's scary to take carb apart!