Distributor in 1989 chev 350 pu

I have used a long screwdriver to move that gear a little. If you crank engine with distributor out, you need to make sure the number one piston is on tdc of compression stroke.

You're trying to align both the distributor gear and the oil pump shaft at the same time. Once you get it started in the correct position, hold a pressure down on it while someone else bumps the starter. Make sure your in the right position first though.

I haven't had a problem with getting the dist started. I have had a problem with getting them all the way down. They go after a bit. On this dist, it doesn't matter how you stab it. You don't have to line up marks for dist body or rotor. As long as the primary wires and secondary wires will reach, it will work. If the #1 piston is on top dead center of compression stroke, which ever spark plug tower the rotor is pointing at, is the new #1, then follow the firing order around the cap. You may have to swap some plug wires because of length, it doesn't matter. I have had problems with trying to get all my marks lined up at once. On older chevys, I stopped worring about the marks, I just stab it, then work out the firing order.