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)