I sent this 235 engine out for overhaul. It came back with the "guide block" for the oil pump removed. (they removed it because of evidence of an oil leak along side one of the fasteners)

Reinstalling the oil pump, then attempting to insert the distributor finds that alignment is not good enough (after tightening the cap screws holding guide to block) to provide 360 degree freedom of rotation of the distributor. We have tried a second pump....a bit better but still not good enough.

What does the rest of the world do in this situation?
Thanks,
Ronvan

The guide is installed to the block, riveted in place, then reamed to align the pump perfectly.It should not be removed as it will be "oof" as you discovered.How is it attached now?...perhaps it could be repostioned a bit for proper alignment.
When I said riveted - then are not exactly rivets but are pins permenently installed and expanded to prevent removal.
If the distributor alingment is not correct it will sieze the dist.