In article ,
says...

I have a 8 cylinder 350 (I think GM..it's in a boat)

Engine back fires and sputters. Engine does not leak oil that I know of.
(or at least not very much)Compression test revealed 0 compression in 1
cylinder and all others were ok. Based off these symptoms, Is it likely
that I will have to do work on the engine block or will the problem be
likely in the Head (gaskets or other)

Probably a valve problem, like the intake seat came out, and the valve
is resting on it. Presto, no compression, and backfires through the carb
like crazy. If there is a hole in the piston the engine usually blows oil
everywhere from every orfice, and you lose oil like crazy.

Generally, a blown head gasket affects 2 cylinders.

or the exhaust valve is burned out. When I pulled the head on my 4-cyl
140 the #4 cylinder had a big V-notch burned in the valve, and a burnt
gasket between 2 and 3. Head was warped out about 10 thousanth's. New
valves, seats, and gaskets and planed. I havent put it together yet,
but I'm looking forward to having it run by the weekend.

Tim

Engine back fires and sputters./.."

OOPS, sorry, I missed the backfiring part. I'd say it's an intake valve
problem, But I doubt if you need to pull the whole block. jsut the
head...BUT, I'd pull them both and have the job done right. You might
be doing some preventive maintianence by haveing the other head
inspected as well.

Tim

When I pulled mine (1986 350) heads for a stuck valve. Both Heads had
cracks in the Exhaust Seats, clar thru to the water jacket. This is
apparently not uncommon for GM small block engines running with a high
load.

nate wrote:

I have a 8 cylinder 350 (I think GM..it's in a boat)

Engine back fires and sputters. Engine does not leak oil that I know of.
(or at least not very much)Compression test revealed 0 compression in 1
cylinder and all others were ok. Based off these symptoms, Is it likely
that I will have to do work on the engine block or will the problem be
likely in the Head (gaskets or other)



A hole in a cylinder top? A bad valve? Stuck open? A broken ring?

Not likely a bad gasket, but you will need one anyway. Yank the head.

Terry K

Get a cylinder leak down test done. This test wil tell you the condition of
the rings, valves, and where the problem is! Any "good" auto shop should be
able to do the test in under 2 hours.

"nate" wrote in message
. ..
I have a 8 cylinder 350 (I think GM..it's in a boat)

Engine back fires and sputters. Engine does not leak oil that I know of.
(or at least not very much)Compression test revealed 0 compression in 1
cylinder and all others were ok. Based off these symptoms, Is it likely
that I will have to do work on the engine block or will the problem be
likely in the Head (gaskets or other)

Here's my story...
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...099392c5fc37df

I agree with the guy's that indicated it's an intake valve issue. Pull
the valve covers first, see if the rocker or push rod is the problem. I
have seen cases where the rocker stud pulled out, but that would keep
the valve closed. The valve could be stuck open, in which case the
rocker will be real loose.

I read each post and appreciate everyone taking the time to reply. I'm
going to tear into it this weekend and will post the results.


"Capt John" wrote in message
oups.com...
I agree with the guy's that indicated it's an intake valve issue. Pull
the valve covers first, see if the rocker or push rod is the problem. I
have seen cases where the rocker stud pulled out, but that would keep
the valve closed. The valve could be stuck open, in which case the
rocker will be real loose.

ok heres the story,

Pulled the valve cover. Value is moving up and down.
cranked the motor until the valves were closed, blew compressed air in spark
plug hole, no air came out the exhaust or intake.
yanked the head off, no hole in cylinder (that I can see), head gasket look
ok from what I could tell

Any suggestions?

"nate" wrote in message
. ..
I read each post and appreciate everyone taking the time to reply. I'm
going to tear into it this weekend and will post the results.


"Capt John" wrote in message
oups.com...
I agree with the guy's that indicated it's an intake valve issue. Pull
the valve covers first, see if the rocker or push rod is the problem. I
have seen cases where the rocker stud pulled out, but that would keep
the valve closed. The valve could be stuck open, in which case the
rocker will be real loose.