The engine won't fire up. I put in a new spark plug, new fuel line, fresh oil and a new battery. When I turn the key the engine cranks but won't start. The cylinder is up against the cylinder head. It's not moving back and creating compression. The engine and shaft turn but the piston is not moving back and forth to create compression. I think the connecting rod is broken. What are your thoughts on this and what else could possibly be wrong with it?

Jerry, July 2007

9 times out of 10, if a head gasket is blown.....
compression is diminished to the point that the fuel mixture wont ignite. If it will start, youll hear a faint to loud "whistle" or "swish".

Easy way to check for a broken conn rod or wrist pin is to.....

Take a metal coat hanger and unravel it. Put a bend in it (curve). Take out the spark plug and insert the wire in the hole until you feel the top of the piston. Now, turn the engine over slowly by hand. If the wire does not move in or out......the rod is broke.

Most times if it is broken near the piston, the engine will not turn over due to the rod being stuck on something inside the block.
Hope this helps.

COTLOD, October 2009

remove engine from unit: drain oil and remove base cover. (BE SURE TO REMOVE ALL I/2 INCH BOLTS): use slim blade to seperate the base from the block: There are two lining pins,you wil see them as you remove the base: now you will be able to see the engines interior and determine the damage.-

c. mac, June 2009

might have a blown head gasket, or your connecting rod is broken

anonymousone1, August 2007