I had a simular problem with a craigslist ad on a motor. Ad said it was rebuilt. That it had a muddobber that build a nest in cylinder #1 an easy fix. Went to look at it. Owner said it had just been rebuilt. "How long ago was is rebuilt I asked", He said "it has about 100 miles on it" so i pull the main caps off, all 5 are down to the brass, the crank has grooves in it. The guy is a lier.
I did't go as far as you did but I hate people that lie, to benifit them selves. Mabey he was an
, but i wanted to kick his
