One cylinder is not firing.

[BobJones]

I noticed my SII is weak and sputtering a bit. All ignition parts are new only 30km driven. Found second cylinder from back of engine is not firing. Spark plug is wet but clean. Also noticed a louder than usual tapping noise from the valves. I am going to work on it this weekend, starting with,
1. Check and clean dist cap
2. adjust valves.
3. Compression test.
What else should i be looking at.
Thanks in advance, I don't have much engine experience.

[bkreutz]

Check the wire on the suspected cylinder, everything else sounds right (though I might check the compression before the valve adjustment (and after if they were too tight)

[stomper]

it may be a bad spark plug also. if they are old, might want to replace them.