willysmjeeps.com

New to the M38A1. After reviewing the corrected manual, I see the plug wires are not in correct position. Number 4 is at bottom left (7:00 o'clock position).
Then moving counter clockwise we have 2, 1, 3. The marks on the flywheel for TDC line up when the rotor is at the #4 position.

Based on my reading the oil pump was not clocked correctly. Do I need to change it, or can I run the timing light at the #4 plug wire?

Your best course of action is to correct the timing from scratch. Usually incorrect initial oil pump to distributor timing results in a reduced adjustment swing of the housing for dynamic timing adjustments.

Thank you Wes.
Until I correct the oil pump clocking, can I time this engine with the timing light at the #4 plug wire?

I didn't answer that question the first reply because I have insufficient evidence to make that determination. You can try if you like but anytime we let our jeeps remain configured half-arsed we face trouble in the long term.

This will show my newbie status.
Does the crankcase need to be drained to remove and re clock the oil pump groove that mates with the distributor?

No