I removed the pan and oil pump, which was bound up on the distributor drive shaft, just as I thought. Reggie Jackson reminded me that this is the 2nd time this same thing has happened to me on this engine.
I removed the rear main thrust bearing and took the mangled rear lower seal half out. Somehow I had managed to screw that up too. I will replace the lower half only. The top half is OK, as far as I can tell. All I need now is the new oil pump and shaft.
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, please help Skip to stop making mistakes on this engine assembly. Please give Skip the knowledge, patience and skill to safely complete this engine and get it running the way he wants it to, or to be satisfied with whatever You provide. With Your help, thank You Lord.
AMEN