can you test a motors compresion with it outta the car?

im gonna check out this older civic ex tomorow but hes got a bad motor said it threw a rod... SO im looking at this other guy on the web that has a "1995 honda 1.6 motor ran when it was take" but we all know how this motor COULD BE smoking and worn rings....
now not sure what comes on the motor... thought about seeing if it has some oil in it i could slap a starter on it and use a jumperpack or battery to run the starter and check the compresion that way... would it be ok or does it also need coolant in the motor for lubrication in the motor to prevent any further damage?



i know when i do check out the motor i wanna be sure to check the timing belt and how the plugs look. just hope he doesnt slap in some old plugs to fake it out.LOL
id rather have a QUICK unbolt and bolt in anothe rmotor and have the car running ASAP.....
rather not pull the motor all apart and rebuild it all....