Am I getting any closer? 380SE **UPDATE**
 

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/106108-wow-never-seen-before-any-ideas.html

Is my timing out??
I still cant get my 84 380SE to run right....or run at all now. I removed both valve covers and checked the chain, tensioners and tension and it seems to be OK. I rolled the engine over until the crank was on 0. Both cam marks didnt line up. I rolled the engine over until they lined up. Both line up perfectly at the same time, but the crank is at about the 270 degree or so position. I pulled #1 plug and the piston is at exactly TDC when the cam marks line up. Why doesnt the crank mark 0 and TDC of the piston line up? I installed #1 spark plug wire according to the cam marks. What am I missing here?

Thanx again for the help! :)

timing off?
 

Could it be that you have mistakenly assigned the plug numbers? It sounds like you have #1 on the wrong bank. The 2 front cylinder rods are on the same crank throw, and one reaches TDC EXACTLY 90 degrees after the other. The FIRST one to reach TDC is #1. Check the firing order and cam position. the second of the pair should be on the (end of exhaust, beginning of intake stroke--both cam lobes pointing down) while the first is on top of compression stroke--with both cam lobes pointing up

Thanx for the reply...I better make sure I have this right then. Can someone tell me the firing order of a 3.8L V8? Also, I have #1 on the right hand side (if sitting in the driver seat looking forward) closeset to the fan. Is the right bank (pass side)1,3,5,7 and the left bank (drivers side) 2,4,6,8? The 2 notches in the cam line up and the notch in the distributer housing lines up with the rotor. Why would the crank marks be off? Which cyl is #1?

Got it running