Aw, dang it, no compression!

[Jeff & Jennifer Warner]

Hey Gang, long time no submit.

Finally got into the '89 TQW I acquired late last year to take care of what
I thought was simply a clogged injector and it turns out I've got virtually
no compression on number 2.  I'm planning to pull the head on Saturday but
thought I'd ask the list first for any ideas on diagnosing the cause before
pulling it apart.  I put a couple tablespoons of oil down into the cylinder
to no avail.  There's no sign of any smoke either white or blue and the plug
is clean from unburned fuel washing it.  Also, lots of happy spark at the
plug.  The compression gauge shows only about 20 PSI per stroke.  It would
seem I'm either looking at a head gasket (please, please, please), a cracked
head, a valve issue or heaven forbid, bad rings or piston.  The other
cylinders are all getting good compression and the engine is running just
fine considering.  So, any thoughts on further diagnostics before I start
yanking off parts?  Also, I've not pulled one of these heads before, are
there any pitfalls I need to watch out for or words of advice you might have
to offer?  I'm going to start on the Bentley research tomorrow.

Jeff Warner
Galloway, OH
'86 Coupe GT
'89 TQW