Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): echo blower run without oil in the gas, piston kit, piston pin

Question
I've got and echo PB-410 backpack blower about 5 years old with maybe 50 hours use. It was accidentally run for about 25 minutes without oil mixed in the gas and now it isn't starting. I did manage to start it once and it seemed to run fine but won't start again.  It seems like it will almost start but it just won't quite run.  Did I permanently ruin the engine and if so is it worth repairing or replacing the entire engine?  I could also just replace the piston kit and/or cylinder.  Is it possible to fix without replacing parts?  It is a nice blower that runs about $525 new.  Also if I tried to fix it myself how hard is the job?

Answer
Most likely the engine is shot.  I would price a jug kit.  The repair is not very difficult but a small engine piston pin press really makes the repair easy.  Without a press it can be difficult to remove and install a new piston.

The only other critical part of the repair is installing the piston in the correct dirction.  Most pistions on 2 cycles are marked with an arrow.  Just pay attention to the old piston before you remove it.

I'd price a jug kit but is the parts are cost 50% of a new blower I'd recommend buying a new blower.

Eric