1997 8M Mercury, never used - How to sell it?

[waggy]

I have this 8M Mercury that I got from the insurance company after my son dropped the old motor into the lake. I have never used the motor and has decided to sell it. Normally with an old motor, I would run itand show people it works. With this engine, as it has never been ran, should I be running it for anyone that comes by? I do not want it to become a used engine because I am showing it to people. What type of problems could the engine have after never being used and sitting for 18 years? The other issue is I do not have a test tank to run it in, so what do you do?

 

[Bonus Check]

Hard to run it for anyone who comes by if you don't have a tank. I would want to see it run before I would consider handing over any cash for it. Go get a tank and try it then you will know for sure what you have to sell.

 

[roscoe]

I would have no problem buying it if it was clean and dry, no fuel in carb, etc.

The only thing that would need attention after the buyer gets it, is to make sure it has gear oil in the gear case, and to replace the old water pump impeller.