I try to at least get them running quickly after I get them, just in case of water entry or other issue that will damage if left.
I just look at the seals - if there is lots of grease/grime at either end of the crank, there might be a leak. Can dump some 2 stroke mix into the crank and see if it leaks out/weeps as well
I must just quickly apologise to wce - I was wondering if the other party interested was a local ODK member. If any good ones come up south of the river wce, I will be sure to let you know.