starting problems

that's the worst bummer! It happens. You already have someone on board that knows how to help you. Lucky guy. Settle down, be methodical and communicate to Rich.

I'm betting on the valves, plus you gotta kick it "4-stroke style" and not like a 2-stroke.

kick it through it's stroke until it "catches", then bring it back up top, then give it a good healthy kick, repeat.

I would force the issue, at least once just to see if it was capable of running.

Load it into the truck, take it to the top of a hill. Get rolling down the hill then pop it into 2nd or 3rd gear (Not 1st). If you don't have a hill nearby you can try towing it but be very careful!

If it won't bump start, or if it starts but just won't keep running then you know that there is something very wrong in either ignition, compression or fuel system.

There is also a chance that once you have managed to get it started once, warmed up and everything lubed and moving properly that it will be easier to start thereafter.

Rod