the plugs from #1 and #2 cyl look good -had a light tan color with no erosion. When I pulled them out I noticed a lot of oil on the threads but none on the plug tips - which I thought was odd. I didn't see that on any of the other plugs.

I suspect vacuum leaks as well and have been all over the engine looking for broken lines - found a couple and replaced with no change. A smoke test sounds like a good idea though.

What has me stumped is if I am leaking oil into the cyl why am I not seeing any fouling or smoke? and why would it run so smooth on a cold start?