Hi,
That is a very good question and an easy one to answer. As it appears, you already realize the oil pump plays a role in the distributor's operation. The bottom of the distributor should align with an intermediate drive shaft to the oil pump. Now, if the you suspect the oil pump has locked up and isn't being turned, do this. Remove the distributor cap and crank the engine. Is the rotor turning? If it is, chances are the pump isn't locked. Next, you can remove the distributor and using a long handle screw driver, see if you can turn the pump by hand.
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I don't know if this will help, but here are the directions for installing the distributor. The attached pic correlates with the directions.
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1982 Ford Truck F 250 2WD Pickup V8-351 5.8L
DS II
Vehicle Powertrain Management Ignition System Distributor Service and Repair Procedures Removal and Installation DS II
DS II
Distributor - Exploded view
Pic 1
REMOVAL
On some models, it may be necessary to position thermactor air pump aside to gain access to distributor. It may also be necessary to disconnect the thermactor air filter.
1. Disconnect distributor electrical connector from engine wiring harness.
2. Disconnect vacuum advance hose, then remove distributor cap and position aside.
3. Remove rotor and adapter, then reinstall rotor.
4. Mark position of distributor in engine and position of rotor on distributor housing for installation reference.
5. Remove distributor hold-down bolt and clamp, then lift distributor out of engine. Do not crank engine after distributor has been removed.
INSTALLATION
1. If engine was not cranked after distributor was removed, proceed as follows:
a. Position distributor in engine, aligning housing to block marks and rotor to housing marks made during removal.
B. Install distributor hold-down bolt and clamp. Do not tighten at this time.
C. Install distributor cap and wire, then connect distributor electrical connector to engine wiring harness and attach vacuum advance hose.
D. Adjust ignition timing to specifications.
2. If engine was cranked after distributor was removed, proceed as follows:
a. Remove No. 1 spark plug and crank engine until compression pressure is felt in No. 1 cylinder. Slowly rotate engine until correct initial timing mark on crankshaft damper aligns with timing pointer.
B. Position distributor in engine with rotor at number one firing position and armature tooth aligned with starter. Ensure oil pump intermediate shaft properly engages the distributor shaft. It may be necessary to crank engine with starter after distributor drive gear is partially engaged in order to engage the oil pump intermediate shaft.
C. Install distributor hold down bolt and clamp. Do not tighten at this time.
D. Install distributor cap and wires, then connect distributor electrical connector to engine wiring harness and attach vacuum advance hose.
3. Adjust ignition timing to specifications. Due to higher ignition system voltage, a timing light specifically designed for this system should be used when checking ignition timing. If a timing light designed for this system is not available, an inductive pickup type timing light may operate satisfactorily in a piece of split vacuum hose is first placed around the spark plug wire.
NOTE: Refer to ADJUSTMENTS for rotor alignment.
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Let me know if this helps. Also, let me know exactly what is happening so I can better help. Honestly, as long as the distributor is turning (as I mentioned above to check) and the timing is correct, as long as you have fuel and spark it should run.
Let me know if I can help.
Joe
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 4:03 PM