[~The Jester~]

Once again, Jeff is the man. I believe if you read between the lines there, he has your answer.

Sounds like the driveshaft is binding, and pushing the oil pump gear into the cover plate.

This is gonna sound REALLY outta line, but what does your ditzy gear look like??? Way outta line wear pattern??

Ya may need a shim or two under the distributor. Sounds kooky, but I've seen it happen.