What am I doing wrong?!?!

[Affordable in Indy]

Most likely the numbers on the crank are casting numbers, so unless you have the casting codes they mean nothing. Are both the slots on the crank, for the timing gear the same? Do the timing gear align at the same point? Do you have a vernier caliper to measure the thrust surfaces to see if the are the same? Sorry for all the questions, but I’m not standing next to you with a strong drink in hand to see what you have. I’m thinking you may not have matching cranks, or the counterbalance does not match.

The key slots for the timing gear are the same. I do not have calipers to measure anything.

 

[Affordable in Indy]

So, here's an update. I removed the replacement crankshaft and the top oil seal. I removed the counterweights from the crankshaft. I reinserted the replacement crankshaft, timing gear and camshaft. I did not attach the connecting rod. The timing gear was still not level with the camshaft. I repeated this set up with the original, damaged camshaft. I expected the gears to be level with each other, but no. They weren't. They're supposed to be, aren't they? It seems like every other time I've done this, the gears have been perfectly level. Maybe this isn't even my problem.

 

[Scrubcadet10]

The flywheel end of the crankshaft isn't hitting anything on the outside of the engine block is it? on your work table etc?

 

[Rivets]

This may sound stupid, but did you use a new sump gasket? Should be part number 697110 and have a thickness of .015”. If you are using the old gasket, it may be compressed too thin causing the problem.

 

[bertsmobile1]

The oil pump is driven off the end of the cam shaft .
When I reassemble these engines, I remove the oil pump then assemble it after the sump has been replaced & tightened
Check the cam is dropping onto the oil pump drive properly.