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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.