"Lastly, if the choke solenoid is dead, any idea what I am looking at for a replacement cost? It shouldn't be much of a task, just wondering how much cash it's gonna set me back"
Just a FYI you can and will know if its working simple remove the line connected to the block have someone push the ignition key in to activate the choke and you will see fuel squirting out of it, also you will hear it click.
Remember before you go replacing it verify its working and not clog or no power..Test ..Test :)
Here is a link to ebay if you are lucky you can pickup a use one for under 30 ?
OMC sells a rebuild kit also might be cheaper.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Johns...ssoriesQ5fGear