Well I plan to check the starter tomorrow if I get any free time. I will definitely make getting the motor able to turn over my first priority. Once I get it able to turn over I was planning to just make one cut before the muffler to disconnect it and inspect to see if it's all rusted out inside. Then after I get the issue resolved with the motor running I could just easily clamp it back together if it was ok or replace it if needed. But yes I agree getting the motor to turn over first then getting it to fire up next. I'll post an update once I get some free time.