Jerry
Thanks for the response. I don't get online as much as I used to, so....
A rough guestimate on the hours is around 10,000 (550,000 kms), good chance as any the pump is worn. I was going to change it for the one out of my first engine, as it didn't have this problem. I am also going to change the timing belt, because I have no idea when, or if, it was ever changed. It will be a good time to replace the worn power steering/vacuum pump belt, and throw in a new block heater.
I'll look back in the forums and find the timing settings you once suggested. I recall it was advanced a bit more than stock. I already removed the spring and shims from the pump.

I wonder how many belt cover bolts are going to break...? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />