I wouldn't get too excited about tearing it down until you see if it is burning oil. Yes parts can be bought for the M-18, but get your pocket book out! Sam Mac will say buy a Vanguard and drop it in. That is all good, TMK, they are a direct fit.
Tune it up, and rebuild the carb. Choking to start is normal. Backfire at shut down usually means that you either, 1.)Need to let it idle and cool off some more, or 2.)It's running too rich. It could indicate that it needs some valve work, but try just letting it idle for a few min before shutting it off. You do throttle it all the way down before you kill it right?
Oh, and welcome to OCC!
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