I wouldn't worry too much about testing it before it goes in. If anything, start replacing those hard to get to gaskets now while it's out so you could have the only 617 on the board that doesn't mark its spot wherever its parked. The oil filter housing gasket and upper oil pan gasket come to mind. Just look at it and try to figure out where the oil that is leaking might be coming from.

I don't know if a compression test would be very accurate without the starter motor doing it. You're not going to be able to hand crank it over fast enough to build enough compression. They generate compression when they're being spun over fast, not slowly with a ratchet.

If you wanted to check it out there are ways, but those ways would involve pulling the head, etc. Actually, this summer I'm hoping to pull my engine just for the purpose of resealing it. I'm sick of the small oil leaks, they bother me the most about any car next to body condition. So hopefully I can get the rust fixed and body painted while I'm resealing the engine.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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