How to determine the condition of a 12a with no starter
 

Im considering buying a 12a outside of a car with no starter. Is there a way to determine if it will run and if would need to replace housing, plates, or seals. I've seen videos of people turning them over with a 19mm socket and listening for even strokes, but how much would this tell me. I also don't have a compression tester.

Thanks in advance

Turning it over by hand will give you a yes/no on compression, but no empirical values. You should hear a chug with every compression stroke. You need to turn the engine over at least twice to hear all 6 pulses. They should sound distinct and consistent.

This will only give you a feeling if it has SOME compression. Beyond that, besides getting real values with a starter, or pulling it apart to determine the inside conditions, you're flying a little blind. I would use this as a negotiation point if you're unsure.

There are cheap borescopes that can transmit to your phone, stick that in the intake/exhaust ports and spark plug holes to see if there's major chrome flaking.

I appreciate the speedy replies. Can you recommend a good borescope, Ive heard they often have trouble focusing. Say I end up just listening for the even whooshes and it has them, what would be the highest you guys would pay for it? The 12a has been painted so I assume its been rebuilt.

Hard to say anymore on price. These used to be dirt cheap, but then the supply ran dry and now people are asking some insane prices. Does he already have a price it's listed at?

I have a very njce borescope made by Vevor. I got it on Amazon for around $60 and it has a great picture, good sized screen, takes and SD card, and is rechargeable. I can post a picture of the scope a little later when im in the garage.