I get the on/off AND the inline fuel filter at Advanced Auto.
You'll need some 3/16 rubber gas line.
If you need a top end, I have some freshly bored cylinders here.

 

SUCCESS! Thank you lt80 and lt80pilot! 10 days of misery and a SIMPLE fix. Went to Advance Auto and for $4 I cured the starting issues. Heard EVERY possible suggestion. But the simple fuel on/off switch worked. After running all the fuel out of the engine when she did fire up, we went out for about 90 min this afternoon. Came in for dinner and let it cool down. Campus's went back out on a COLD engine, turned fuel on, gave it choke, as soon as I hit the starter, she turned over and purred that grimy two stroke smell that I have learned to accept as my new cologne of choice.
Now I understand that I WILL eventually have to do the top end, but after dropping $700 on the original purchase, I think a couple hundred bucks in a month or so will make my marriage last a bit longer.
I guess my LAST question in this thread would be: is a top end a manageable project for myself? Any suggestions of pitfalls to look for while attempting this task?
Thank you, thank you, thank you guys for saving me time and money with your input!
When I figure out how to post pics, you'll see how happy my little guys are because of you. Have a great night!

 

I was able to rebuild the top end on my 80 without too much difficulty. I have a lot of experience turning wrenches but only one engine rebuild before this, a smallblock chevy.

You'll save a lot of money if you do it yourself, plus you can ask around here if you have any questions. Take care

 

Glad it worked.
Top ends are easy.

 

You can get a shutoff valve at any lawnmower shop. It just goes in the line. I think the last one i bought was around 5 bux. Its like this here.
Lawn Mower Part 120-212 Inline Fuel Shutoff Briggs 494768 St120-212

 

That is the exact one. If lt80 says top ends are easy, I'm going for it. Worse that could happen: I'll have to. It him more if I screw something up. Have a great weekend gentlemen. Thanks again!

 

The top end is fairly easy,If you remove the piston just put a clean rag in the crankcase so that nothing gets in there like the circlip. And cleaner of hands and parts the better. Really the hardest part is getting the piston back in the jug while compressing the rings.

 

Thanks for the advice 270! I'm gonna tackle it in a month or so. Hope you all have a great weekend!