im trying to get my 90 audi 80 started and there is gas leaking into the top of the cylinder head under the valve cover.. I know damn well that isnt normal, what can cause that? Could a timing issue be the culpret?

 

I doubt it's timing related. I'd suspect leaking injectors maybe - have you ever taken them out? If so, the O-rings could be torn and allowing leakage also. If you pull the valve cover you should be able to see some evidence of where it's coming in (like a wet "trail" that shows where the gas is running down). Try that out and put up pics of what you find and maybe we can narrow it down more.