It does smell fishy to me. I think you are doing the right thing. I know of a nice 1572 that is for sale but it is expensive.

Post was deleted from CL, did you buy it?

No. Read my post #10. As a follow-up I offered him $1500. I doubt he will accept.

I sent a note to the seller and offered $1500. He replied "no deal". I still don't understand why a person would disassemble a "good running" engine to check if everything was okay. I talked to him on the phone several weeks ago and did not get a "good feeling". I will continue my search.