This is a rotten deal for you, but moving on is probably the best idea. Craigslist requires caution.
I have been looking for a 216 or 235 all summer, and could get by with just a good head. Through a connection I got in touch with a local guy who said he had both a 235 and a 216. Just had to dig them out, and he did. He brought them over one night and I said great I will take them now, get them magged, and we can settle up. I was looking at them in the back of his truck. He wouldn't sell them. My connection said he does this all the time, same behavior. He is apparently a hoarder of machinery, engines and who knows what else. Lots of crazy out there.
