Sounds like you found enough that would cause your issue(s).
The hot start issues made me think of a coil/ignition issue - I would also check a few things on the ignition...
- check the coil.
- check spark plug wire to make sure it is "well connected to coil".
- check grounds - make sure good contact to frame, etc.
- visually inspect the kill button wire to make sure no chafing.
jeff
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