[Hugh R]

I don't know the engine at all, but in the past with other engines that had sat for a long time, I introduced a cup or so of oil into the engine via' a fitting that came from the engine to an external oil cooler to flood the oil pump, that should give it enough lubrication to wet the main and rod bearings, I'd also squirt a little in each spark plug hole.

If you can turn it over by hand to see if everything clears, what additional benefit do you get by using the starter?

I hope you strap it down before doing this.