Mechanical Fuel Pump Install / Can't Line Up Bolts

[Spline64]

Hey all,

My last post trying to fix a missing issue has now caused me more pain. Having an issue with the installation of the mechanical fuel pump.
I can get the pump under the push rod ok but the bolt holes don't line up. I can back the pump out to line it up almost to where I can start the bolt but then the pump lever slips off the push rod.

The pumps are identical with one exception which is the spring design. I think this is my issue? The old pump had some give in the pump lever I could move with a finger but the new pump (airtex...yeah) takes both arms pressing together to compress the spring. Hell maybe that's normal for all I know.

Tried a half second crank of the engine to see if I was on the lobe but same results. It's just so damn close, thinking that little bit of give on the old pump allows it to line up. Or maybe that pump was shot?