Bill McKee wrote:
Head. Gasket or valve.

"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)


Why? It could very well be a hole burnt in a piston, or a valve broke
off and pounded a hole in the piston. Usually if it's the head gasket,
you'll show a little compression, but will leak down easily. Same with
a burnt exhaust valve.