[mocwon]

What are push rod gaskets? That's a new one on me.

As far as removing the distributor goes, here's what I do:
* Remove the coil wire
* Pull #1 spark plug
* Put a finger over the spark plug hole
* Have someone keep bumping the ignition until you feel the compression push your finger (kinda' makes a farting noise)
* Right at that point turn the engine over by hand until the timing mark on the harmonic balancer lines up with "0" on the timing marker. You now have #1 piston at top dead center
* Pull the distributor cap
* Make 3 marks with a felt tip pin; one on the distributor housing where the rotor is pointing (should be to #1 cylinder). Make a mark on the base of the distributor and the block (this allows you to put it back in accurately). As you pull the distributor straight up the rotor will turn. When the rotor stops turning make another mark on the distributor housing where the rotor is pointing (this allows you to position the rotor easily so it lines up with the oil pump.

When you put it back in reverse lining up the marks and presto, the original timing is saved.