Nissan Repair: 1995 200sx se 1.6L, crankshaft rotation, high compression

Question
i just bought this car and it was stated to be running when parked but would not turn over when you turn the key. i put a new battery in the car and it would only make the starter click so I changed the starter and it would then crank about one revolution and then labor to turn and stop. the engine will turn over manually, the cam moves corresponding to crankshaft rotation. Finally my question, i checked the compression on the #1 cyl. and it was 270psi... i have no idea what could cause this. any help or directions to go would be greatly very greatly appreciated. Thank you

Answer
Bryan,

Pull all the plugs and check to see if the engine turns over freely.  If it does, check the oil to make sure it is not overfilled and check the antifreeze to make sure there is not a headgasket leak letting antifreeze into the cylinders.  This would cause the high compression.  That would be my first thought if the mechanics of the engine are correct and you had really high compression on the cylinder you checked.  You see, if all the plugs are out the engine should turn over fine.  And, if the headgasket is leaking you will find out after you put the plugs in and get it running.  Heck, if you turn over the engine without plugs it should spit antifreeze out one or more sparkplug holes and you would know for sure.