Replacement Engine Seals

[Oakie]

A fellow member of my boat club owns a cruiser with a Ford Escort petrol engine, that has a cracked block. He recently bought a factory recoditioned engine replacement for a bargain price, that has not been used (original paintwork and all orifices still blanked off) that has been sitting around for 30 years.

 

Before he installs it in his boat, should he replace all the oil seals first (cost £30) or take a chance on them being still servicable?

[Bee]

For the sake of £30 might as well change them but they shouldn't deteriorate anyway.