greeting and Happy new year

without going into to much detail on my M38 53 24 volt

I got new fuel pump, new distrubitor and plugs - I did get it started but it was rougth

I think - my distributor was set incorrectly - so I am trying to re install it with the proper oil pump alginement - getting everything set to #1 plug and TDC (it took me a while to understand that)

my current problem is that the new distributor really won't go in or it won't go down far enought to reach the slot on the oil pump

has anyone had that issue? and if so how did you get it to go?

thanks - I am afraid I am way over my head - running of of time or patience

thanks again for any tips!