1988 cutlas calais, turns over but no start.

Sounds like a failed fuel injector.
Black smoke is usually too much fuel, so I would look for a leaking fuel injector or fuel pressure regulator.
If you pull the fuel pump relay and crank the engine it may start once the plugs dry out. But once you make the pump work again it will probably flood out.

a oil gauge reading maybe delayed until car starts and builds good oil press.Did you check for spark
was car running good before this happened? Do you have a rpm reading when cranking car?

Sounds like a weak fuel pump check your fuel pressure.It should be 40-47 psi with key on engine off and with key on engine running it should be 30-44 psi if its not within specs replace fuel pump.

without starting the engine position the key to the on position.
you can hear the fuel pump operationing for 4 to 6 seconds upon having the key on.
if not heard running check the fuel pump fuse, the fuel pump relay, and the engines oil pressure switch.
they all work the pump you see
the engine oil pressure switch runs the pump untill the engine reaches normal pressure
once the pressure is reached to the normal range the computer shuts that circuit off and turns the fuel pump relay on

first releave the fuel pressure by locating the fuel pump fuse. remove it and start the car. run it until it stops. have a pan ready to catch the fuel that will leak out. there shouldn't be more the a 1/2 pint. when the job is complete, energize the pump by turning the key to the on position. do not start. do this a few times to get the gas to the engine. then start.

Sounds like the veh is loading up on fuel make sure coolant sensor to computer is reading right it could be choking the car.Also check for clean throttle body But what the most likely cause is the mass air flow sensor. Blow it out now do this gently there is a wire in there thats what you want clean. dont spray any liquids on it THANK TIM

If you have a V-6, your fuel pressure should be 40 to 45 lbs. If you have'nt done it already, replace the fuel filter and try again. Make sure the pressure does not leak down to near 0 lbs, the pump should hold near the pressure it produces.
Good luck, let me know.
Regards,

it would be the crank angle sensor which tells the computer if the engine is turning and at what speed and when to spark

check to see if you can hear the fuel pump running.just cycle the key to the on position but dont turn over the motor you should hear a humming sound come from the fuel tank.if no sound check your fuses if all ok could be a bad fuel pump
or check to see if you have spark if no spak then it could be the module inside your distributor cap.it also controls the fuel pump.
samboiv