misfire?

1 cyl cold 2,3,4 hot after 2-3mins. i have exhaust leak on #1. gas seeping onto the header. the old plug was black and wet: ......... i need a nudge in the right direction

From my recent experience, first step I would do is swap #1 and #4 plug wire. See if the dead cylinder follows the wire. If it does, suspect the wire or the cap. (As you sit on the bike, the coil on the left fires #1&#4) If it does not follow, try replacing the plug with a new one. I don't believe it's possible for half a coil to go bad so if neither of these cure it I would start looking at points (if you have them) or pickups.

PS: Fix the exhaust leak ASAP.

Duplicate post, Moderator please do your thing!

The old non-firing plug is likely fuel fouled beyond hope for recovery. Would remove #1 sparkplug, affix brand new NGKB8ES plug to plugcap, and visually inspect quality of spark.

While plug is out, would perform compression check (remember to hold throttle wide open). Low psi often indicates need for valve clearance adjustment.

If using pods, assure #1 pod is clean, unclogged and breathing freely.

Check fuel level in #1 carb float bowl using clear plastic tube test. If fuel level is too high, it causes excessively rich mixture.

Good Luck!

replaced all plugs, no change. as for the other suggestions, they're above my wrenching abilities...

IF i can get the carbs off, will a shop be able to fix any problems?

A lot of shops won't touch these old bikes, and those that will are going to hit you a good piece of change to fix what you probably could do yourself with some help from a good manual (if you don't have one get one) and the knowledge of the folks on this board. You'd be surprised how simple the tasks recommended by Patton really are once you read up a little and tackle the job.

Could check for plugged pilot jet. very small opening in them, doesnt take much with todays crap gas & sitting