Part of the distributor gear will mesh with the cam gear before the end of the shaft engages with the oil pump, allowing the engine to run.
I would use a shaft with the same tip on it as a distributor and do a test fit to make sure that it will engage with the oil pump.
If it does, then keep trying to line it up with the distributor. You need to make sure that you allow enough lead-in in the placement of the oil pump slot due to the rotation of the distributor as gears engage and rotate.
