What year is the motor?? 1994 started the saltwater series. They have the Stainless shift rod and should be fine.
Do the compresion test and take for a sea trial, be sure uts pumping water and open the bottom screw on the lower unit to be sure its filled with oil and not water or milky oil.
Last if they are still using the oil injection disconnect it!! I was using one on a late 80's motor when it failed and blew a perfect motor
The beginning of each year I use to use a gas tank of 50:1with the oil injection still working, this way I could tell if the injection was working right with out blowing the motor and the extra oil would not hurt yje old motor
Good Luck