Classic/Antique Car Repair: car will not start, spark plug wire, carburetor overhaul

Question
1954 packard clipper;   Ok,i pulled the coil wire from the distributor and held it near metal and i got a nice spark.I pulled a spark plug wire from #2 plug and using a spare plug i cranked the engine and got a spark.Now i have to ask you a question.I also checked the other plugs. On #1-2-3 and 6 i received a spark.On #4-5-7 and 8 i did not.I checked them all a little while later and got spark from all of them.Is it just me or can something be wrong?       jim

Answer
Ok, the ignition system is doing just what it is supposed to do. Time to move on to the next steps. As far as the phantom spark happening and not happening, I have no answer except that it is magic. The thing that we don’t know is if the park is happening at the ring time. However the next thing that I would do is to use some starting fluid or spray carburetor cleaner down in the carburetor while someone is cranking the engine. If the timing is right and the engine has compression the engine should at least burp and attempt to start. If it does then a fuel pump test and or a carburetor overhaul is in order. If the engine does not show signs of life then I would check the compression and the timing chain. In place of the spray starting fluid I have a modified propane device. It is a Bernz-o-matic torch with the burner head and  flow restrictor removed. Leave the control knob assembly intact and the pipe. Now attach a short length of flex fuel line to the pipe. With the end of the flex fuel line in the carburetor air inlet open the control valve several good turns so that propane is flowing and have some one start the engine. Control the flow of propane from the torch and the engine should run. If not test the compression and the timing chain. If it does run then it is a fuel issue. Let me know the results.
Brad