Low compression?

[Ianab]

I think the test is basically "If it just goes whhhhrrrrrr, to the ground, then it's broken"

if it sinks in a couple of steps as the engine turns over, then there is some compression holding it back. 

It's a quick and simple test that will tell you if your barn find has a chance of running or not. 

[Al_Smith]

I've got an old Clinton in the shed that I think came over on the Mayflower .Around 75-80  cc and I know it will drop but it starts and cuts .Not real good but I doubt it was real good when it was brand new .One of those boat anchors you hear so much about .