Here's an update:
I removed carbs and found a tear in the rubber that connects the left carb to the head. This must be the problem, massive vaccumn leak right? Got a new set of rubber connectors from Doug (Blackdog) blew out the pilot jet with air and put everything back together. start her up and I still have the same problem. left side not firing until it gets revved up. anyone have any ideas what the problem might me?