Yep, the starter will turn the engine over whether the key is in it or not. It won't START without the key, but it will turn over.
As mentioned, you can go with a temporary fuel tank just to get the engine running. You can even set a gas can on the ground underneath it and run a hose into it from the fuel pump.
Good luck, and keep us posted.


Rich
1947 Loadmaster
1947 Chev. Loadmaster
1959 Chev. Viking 40

Life is short--eat dessert first!