When it comes to compression problems a leak down is invaluable in pointing you in the right direction. But when something a solid as concrete with a rigid bar blade setup all bets are off as just about anything can happen. Usually you get at least a bend blade and a sheared flywheel key but worst can happen from the sudden stop.
It at least worth a tear down as it is still at least a good learning project. The last GCV160 I tore down here that had a leaky exhaust valve turned out to be a move exhaust valve guide. At least the leak down pointed me in the right direction.
