The engine will crank but will not start. Carb chk out OK. Spark plug is firing. Pulled valve cover off ohv and they appear to be working OK, moving in & out and seems normal to me.
I removed spark plug and placed a pencil in hole up to piston. Piston does not seem to be moving due to no compression. I am struck. Do I need to go into engine to see if the rod conector is broke or ck piston etc. what should I do next in trouble shooting my problem?

Hi,
If the piston is not going up and down; it could not possibly have compression since the piston is what compresses the air in the top of the cylinder. Since it does not move and it is connected to the crankchaft by the connecting rod, something is amiss there.
Going inside is the only way to verify the exact problem and cause.
Peace,
Clarke