Starting and Running Problem...

Thanks for the response! Sorry to sound so DUH about all of this but I want to learn and be able to do everything right and by myself...

So,I have located the port caps and get those today... with that I just remove all of the old hoses and screws and replace... is that correct?

I defiantly know the carb needs major attention... but I am unsure of where to start... do I just get a rebuild kit and start there? And where would the metal plug go when you said into the intake?

What is a crankcase breather... is the the long thing that comes off of the top of the breather or is it that hole that I have near the base of the engine below the carb?

Thanks again!