Anyone know about this part?

Check out this ad on CL:
https://nh.craigslist.org/boa/3055541758.html

Says the part missing is obsolete ....is this true or could I get a steal?

I would not buy it. Here is a link to the part which is obsolete. It is #41 and even if you do find a motor to get the part from, the work involved in replacing it is not worth it. Far to much work to get in there and replace,let alone find one for a decent price. If the motor was going to be worth $1500 or more after fixing it I would say give it a go but really you are looking at a $600 motor in good running condition and its not.
https://www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP/JOHNSON/1990/J8RESR/IGNITION/parts.html

That's what I figured - I always liked these outboards, too. Seems like everytime I find one there is an issue. Thanks for the advice!

I'd pass, he had time to look up all the engines the part would fit and not the part itself. Think there is more to the story.

if I really liked the little motor and wanted to take a chance and see if I could get it running I might offer him $50 for it. Other than that Walk Away!