Nissan Repair: 96 Sentra Wont Start, plug hole, compression test

Question
96 Sentra w/ 67000 miles, sat for a year and a half w/out being run.  We have had it a month and it ran fine.  Went out and would not start.  It cranks but will not turn over.  Sounds "sick" when turning the key. New battery, lights and instruments work. Any advice, thanks in advance.

Answer
Nate,

It sounds like the engine has jumped timing.  I would perform a compression test to make sure the compression is within range.  Something like 130 psi for the age.  Could even be as low as 100 psi.  But from what you have indicated with it sounding sick while attempting to start would lead me to check for the timing chain jumping so check the compression to be sure.  You can rent a gauge and it just screws into the spark plug hole and then you crank it over a couple of seconds and check the reading on the gauge.  Email me back with what you find.