Bill,
I think if the cam lobe is in the max lift position, getting the pump lever up and over, then compressed is a tough gig! If you didn't know this, you might think something was wrong.
If your friend could tap the engine over a touch, maybe it would get to the heel of the lobe and be easier to install. Sometimes long bolts help align the whole mess at first...these are replaced with the standard bolts after everything is in place.
Stuart
