I have been through the blown engine routine WAY too many times and so I would just like a specific answer to this question, I just did a compression test on my 99 GSR motor and it went 150, 150, 120, 150. I would bet the ring is going in that cylinder, but..., is a blown headgasket EVER the cause of lower compression in just one cylinder? Even a remote possibility? I ask because I have rebuilt twice and have blown 2 other motors besides that!!!!

 

yes, if the gasket is blown perpendicular to the cylinder arrangement (into the coolant passage) then itll have low compression in one cylinder, and while doing the compression test, you coolant/overflow jar might start bubbling, but the best way to pinpoint it would be a leak down test of course.

 

if i'm burning oil and coolant, it might be a headgasket as well. I reused the gasket when i rebuilt one cylinder about a month ago...

 

definately do a leak down test

 

You did WHAT? NEVER use a head gasket twice. They seal properly once and only once, do a leakdown and a wet compression test to pinpoint the problem.