You have no idea how many times that has crossed my mind!!!
The plug is wet and it is leaking. That sounds like carb issues again. Specifically the float valve. Is it possible it came out of adjustment while I have been riding it?

 

Recheck the float level. In your case I think I'd bend the flat tab down a tad anyway to shut the fuel off a little earlier on this hard to adjust float system.Then see if the leaking stops and if it runs better.Normally they would all dribble a little while at an idle. Of idle they'd usually be ok.

 

Ready for a new one in this saga. I out in a new spark plug and fixed the cap. It started right up and ran fine for the day. The next day I started it up and it was rattling like crazy in the recoil housing. Like the Bendix is loose. I shut it off with the key. The start button was in run. When I turn the key it starts up. This happens a few times until it doesn't. I hit the start button and it starts and runs great--no rattling either. This is now consistently intermittent. Any thoughts except dynamite?

 

Don't run it anymore until you remove the recoil cover. Could be the small bolt in recoil has loosened or fallen out or it could just be a starter bendix rattling from age and needs replacement. Also check the bushings in the recoil cover and case that the bendix rides in for any wear.

 

Everything is new in there. I was hoping for a dynamite suggestion.

 

Well then something's causing the rattling noise.. I'd still check the bendix bushing in the case itself and recheck the recoil assembly. Just cause it's new doesn't mean that something hasn't happened to it. Especially these after market parts made in China by people making 50 cents an hour.