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I have a '79 4x4 luv and I had to pull the motor to fix the timing chain tensioner and now I am in the process of reassembling. I am trying to get the oil pump in and get the dowel to turn parallel to the block. every time I insert the pump I am always about 30 deg. short of making it... I have been using a Haynes manual and done what it say but no luck. I am at TDC on #4 so and help/advise would be greatly appreciated!!!!! Thanks in advance!

This is what '78 FSM says, may or may not be different than the Haynes. Note the three referenced diagrams are out of sequence.

As to the slot not being parallel: it could be the pistons are not quite at the top of the stroke. The crank key should be straight up but using that to determine actual TDC might allow the crank to be turned just enough to cock your distributor drive slot.

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'78 Chevy LUV,1.9,4sp,headers,31's,SAS Dana 30,Dana 20,SOA rear w/Aussie Locker, rough body, bought new 12/4/78.
'87 Trooper,2.3,5sp,headers,31's,ball joint flip & spacer,Aussie Locker rear,Superwinch hubs,brush guard w/5.5K winch,more to come.

Does it matter what stroke its on? Compression or exhaust? I know it does for timing

--Nathan

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Hannah - '79 4WD, 32/36 Weber, and a Pacesetter header.

Yes it does matter, to time the gear it needs to be on #4 TDC. That s the compression stroke.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

Timing the oil pump is really very easy. If the timing chain is not installed then all that matters is having #1 and #4 Pistons all the way up at top of engine block. The key on crank should be at 12:00 clock position. Install the timing cover and torque bolts to spec.
If you look at the gear on oil pump the shaft coming out of it is slotted and that the slot is offsett to one side. (This means the distributor shaft will only drop in one way once pump is installed). Position the oil pump kinda into its location on timing cover and then right before installing the pump onto timing cover just turn the pump gear until the smaller side of the offset is facing toward rear of engine. Take a flashlight and look down the distributor tube on timing cover while installing the oil pump and make sure the smaller side of offset is facing rear of engine once the pump is put into place. Take a look at the pictures you posted, the top left picture is all you need and shows you the final placement of that slot. Don't worry about all the other pictures they are confusing. Hope this helps.
Mike.