Bob,
Without some type of a shunt your multimeter will probably top out at 10 amps so that is a no-go! I wouldn't worry about doing much until I had the battery completely charged, in its box and attached with the proper cables to the installed engine.
I would for sure pull the plugs and squirt oil into the cylinders while all this other stuff was going on. If the engine has been in hibernation for that long it might have arthritis.
Trying to get good results using long jumper cables, a unknown battery and other jury rigged aperatus sometimes muddies the waters. When it's all together and wired properly it will probably be fine.
The only caveat I would have is..who did what to the engine that left goop hanging out of the gasket joints! This could be scary..meaning cinched down bearing caps or other makeshift repairs. I'm a pessimist though! Take your time and make the starting system right and I'll bet all will be fine.
While I don't know for sure, I don't think a hydrometer and a anti-freeze checker have anything in common other than appearance.
Stuart
