Go to a Pep Boys, Autozone, or similar type store and rent or borrow a compression gauge. Check the compression on each of your cylinders. Compression should be a minimum of 100PSI and vary by no more than 10-15PSI from highest to lowest. If any readings are low, put a few drops of oil into the cylinder and repeat the test. If the compression comes up, you have bad rings, if not, a bad valve.
Pull the spark plugs one at a time and see if they are getting spark. Remove the plug wire and the plug. Put the plug back into the end of the plug boot. Using a plastic tool, hold the threads of the plug against a good ground and have someone crank the engine. You should see a good, strong spark. If not, remove the plug and insert a Phillips screwdriver in the boot and repeat the cranking process. Spark indicates a bad plug, no spark points to a bad wire.
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Monday, November 21st, 2011 AT 8:28 PM