Steve,
Put the plugs back in, start the motor and with the radiator cap removed, and standing back, rev the motor up. if the head gasket is blown between the cylinder and the water jacket, you will see bubbles and possibly water come outr the top of the radiator cap. If not then I would suggest the water in the plug holes is the answer for the misfire. The water will flow into the pots as you take the plug out.
You would also see steam (Sweet white smoke) out your exhaust if the gasket is shot.
recent experience provides me with this information.
