compression test question (s)

[quiksilvia]

when i changed out the plugs on my sr, the #3 cylinder where the coilpack goes was covered in soot, the other three were clean and shiny, would this mean a bad head gasket? or was the plug not in right and exhaust leaked into the coilpack area. so if i do a comp test on a motor that is pulled and has nothing attached to it electrical wise, what do i need to connect? tia

[Samabra]

Sounds like a bad seal between plug and head to me, in fact I would alsmot bet on it. I'd say put another plug in there and if you pull it out in a few weeks and its doing the same thing, then you might want to check it out, but for now I'd say its not really something to worry about.

Compression testing I have no idea about, I've heard that if you ground the starter or the block and then attach a positive wire to the top copper connector, this should turn the motor over, but I have not done this myself. Chris