ok, it is a 1985 380 se. V8. the cylinder in question is on the passenger side closest to the firewall. I did not mention new wires etc as that seemed the simple first step. there is indeed spark and even new plugs do not fire. when pulled out they reek of gas and are soaked in the stuff. The valves do indeed open and close. I do have a bit of experience with engines and it seems to me it should run. A bit of a puzzler.??