My electric starter is dead... shouldn't I still be able to start the engine manually with the pull start because I'm trying that it and it won't start. How do I tell if the engine is shot?

Hi,
Get a can of aerosol spray carb cleaner and shoot a shot of it in the throat of the carb and then try to crank it. Of course, be sure to have it switched to the On position.
Peace,
Clarke