<VV> Dead cylinder

[RKHenry]

> Well, I need some help!  I was on the way home from work the other day,
> and as I left a light, my faithful '65 110HP  4 speed developed a miss -
> or should I say, a severe miss?  I checked all the obvious stuff (plugs,
> plug wires, etc), and finally did a compression check.  Number 4
> cylinder has zero compression.  The others are between 195 and 200 (on
> the brand new compression gauge I bought just for the occasion).  I
> removed the valve covers and can't find anything wrong.  Following the
> directions in both the GM Shop Manual and the Corvair Basics manual, I
> attempted to set the valves on that cylinder.  About the only thing I
> found that appears wrong is there is no "free play" on the intake
> pushrod - - there isn't any "spring" to the lifter.  Is it possible that
> the lifter is collapsed and not extending enough to open the valve??
> Other than that, I have no ideas left.  The engine wasn't making any
> terrible noises before the miss started, and didn't make any after the
> miss started, so I don't think anything mechanical has broken inside.
> Should I be ordering some lifters?  What are the chances that there is a
> hole in the piston?  Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Inspect for a dropped valve seat.

RK Henry