Need engine help and advise

[smkinnan]

I pulled the head on the side where the cylinder had little compression. I DID in fact have a bad head gasket, plain as day. The thermostat also looks like it is well beyond its normal life. I will replace both sides. The cylinders on that side look absolutely beautiful. I am completely amazed. Thanks for the suggestions guys. I will update shortly.

any suggestions on where would be the best place to get parts for these things? Internet? Local guy? I live in the Orlando area and I've noticed lots of you guys that are in this area.

by the way, any ideas what might be the cause of the lack of spark?

[spareparts]

was it no spark at all, or just on one or more cylinders?

[smkinnan]

Originally Posted by spareparts

was it no spark at all, or just on one or more cylinders?

Thats a great question and I think I know where you are going with it. I noticed the individual coils last night when I pulled the head off of it. I guess if there is no spark in 1 cylinder, one of those coils could be the culprit!?! Alternatively, if there is no spark at all there may be another componant that is bad. I guess I assumed that there was no spark since it didn't act like it wanted to fire at all. I only tested one cylinder for spark though. I guess I need to dive into that a little further. Thanks so much for the reply....

Do you guys have a favorite place to buy parts for these things???

[spareparts]

if its only one cyinder with no spark, pull the coil an clean the graound strap on the coil(better do it with all of them), if it has no spark, disconect the main engine wire harness, tehm jump the starter selenoid(red to yellow/red) adn see if it sparks, if it does then, you have a harnes or key switch issue

[smkinnan]

Originally Posted by spareparts

if its only one cyinder with no spark, pull the coil an clean the graound strap on the coil(better do it with all of them), if it has no spark, disconect the main engine wire harness, tehm jump the starter selenoid(red to yellow/red) adn see if it sparks, if it does then, you have a harnes or key switch issue

Thank you so much....I will check this stuff out and report back ;)

[smkinnan]

I know how you guys like photos so I thought I post a couple on this issue....

[brisboats]

I was going to suggest you decarb the head and cylinder tops while you have it apart but that looks clean enough to leave alone. You could now spray some PB blaster directly on the rings though just to loosen them up. I would get the headgaskets and button her back up and recheck compression. I bet you are going to be pleasantly surprised. Get her healthy on all six and I can find your lost spark.

Brian