Simply dropping the oil pump shouldn't have had any effect on the distributor timing but most of us who are offering advice have a limited amount of experience with the 194 and 207 engines that were used prior to the 216. Regardless of the engine size and design, the fuel, spark and timing must be correct. Do some basic tuning and confirm that you're getting compression, fuel, and spark at the right time and the firing order. Good luck!
Jerry
