Dane the Cook

Hey i bought a JS 440 for a hundred bucks, came with almost everything. There is a hole in the front of the hull that the guy before me tried to fixed and totally f**ked up, and the engine needs rebuilt. I have a couple questions if anybody can help.

Is ebay an ok place to buy parts?

I need:
gaskets (obviously)
pistons
rod bearings (maybe new rods)
and some other small stuff

I have looked at gasket packs on ebay and i cant see a gasket for where the case splits. Is there one or do i just make one?

How do i tell if the stator is bad?

Any other tips help, thanks a lot. Dane.