Should I start this engine?

[Kevin Trent <trentkc@domain.elided>]

Last July I had to park the red berlina after a severe engine knock 
developed in the space of ~10 miles.  I've always assumed it was a rod 
bearing or piston pin.  After I towed the car home I started the (now cold) 
1750 engine briefly.  It made the severe knocking noise but also made a 
very distinct "screech"  that sounded like a slipping fan belt - or was 
that a spinning bearing?

The engine has not been run since.  Should I start and run the engine for 
any diagnostic reason before I remove it for rebuild or replacement?  What 
diagnostic tests would those be?  Upon disassembly, will the bad bearing or 
piston pin be obvious?

Thanks,  //KCT, Powell, TN 

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