I like that brake rotor trick..I might try that as I have same issue when I install my cab. FYI - I find the best product to spray on the chute and impellers etc.. is the all temp spray on ski and snowboard wax. I find that The cooking oil spray starts to thicken and solidify when it gets too cold. Cheers!
The clearance is left by design to allow small things like sticks and stones to pass through without breaking anything. Also with such relaxed tolerances in the impeller area there's lots of room for error when assembling.
I put mine on after the first use of my troybilt 2410 10 years ago and never looked back! The very first time I used mine it was wet. Clogged every 15 feet. Like injecting steroids into your snowblower! Mine will damn near pump water! Lol. And throws the snow almost twice as far. Hasn't clogged since, almost 11 years now. I made mine from materials i bought at tractor supply. 💯🔥💪🇺🇲