gas leak need mechanical help

[Spurs]

After speaking with our good friend Joe Studebaker yesterday, I removed spark plugs and jumping my battery off my cage, she turned over and then I put the plugs back in and it started up but on the starboard side with plugs 1, 3 & 5 I noticed a bad gas leak that was accumulating on the block back of the plugs.  Joe said probably o-rings or gaskets are bad and need to be replaced.  I have free room and board and good bass fishing off my seawall if anyone can help me.  I live in Fruitland Park on Lake Griffin by the  infamous Villages. Thanks in advance

[longrider]

Has the bike been sitting for some time.  Mine also leaked after sitting for the winter.  If it has been sitting check it in a day or so as the o-rings will swell.  All was good for me the rest of the summer

[Thunderbolt]

Float stuck open would be my guess.  Either tap lightly on all the bowls on that side with the plastic end of a screwdriver or start taking it apart to find the offending carb.  I have had that problem in the past.  It could be from lack of use or misalignment when reassembling the float in the bowl or trash in the seat would not let it seal when the bowl is full.  The gasoline if it is this problem will be exiting the overflow tube to the rear of that carb bank onto the top of the engine.

[Pappy!]

Go with what Thunderbolt said first.
Understand that these engines will hydrolock on you with a flooding carburetor.
Turn your fuel off!
If you think you have fuel in a cylinder, clear it before attempting to start but not with the spark plugs out and rolling it over with the starter. Can you say fire?
Prior to starting just momentarily tap the starter button to see if it will turn over or it is hydrolocked, this should keep you from breaking gears.
If the bike has not been run in a long time you may also experience the o-ring issue and they will swell back up and get you going but will need to be replaced eventually.

[Spurs]

Thank you Longrider, from an x-Canuck, Thunderbolt and Pappy - I will let you all know how I make out! 

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

A Little Marvel Mystery Oil In The Fuel Usually Helps Out Those Dried O-Rings.