97 Merc 175 EFI

[jorgeinmiami]

Looking at a 97 Merc 175 EFI that the owner says has either a bad piston or rings either way it's locked up.

The rest of the engine looks good except for the skeg that I'm not surprised since it's on a flats baot is missing a little.

I can have the engine for $200

What could be the cause to lose a piston or rings ( I know it hard to say since I have not taken off the head) but what do you think would be the costs involved?

he states that everything else is ok with lower unit and trim and electronics but it would be hard to check since its off the boat


OPINIONS PLEASE!!!!