No need to edit your post Brian most of it was really good information for him. I sometimes have a hard time expressing myself in a reasonable fashion so will try to improve.
There is a chance everything like the pump timing is still on as you suggest. If a notch or two off in the cam timing might be enough for it to hard start for example. Or something completly unrelated is going on. You have far more experience on these particular engines than me and I am not a mechanic.

Ninety nine point five percent of your advise is extremely accurate. I wish I had that kind of batting average. He had to remove the valve cover for example to change the chain. What if his linkage is binding and holding the stop engine device on for example. First of all though is to establish the correct timing of pump, cam and crank. Will not take much effort.

For some unknown reason my engines are terrified of me.They seldom act up . Even just opening the hood makes them shake and quiver. Thats with the engines off. If I just reach for the dip stick the shaking moderates a little. If I have a screwdriver or wrench in my hand the engines need new motor mounts by the time I am finished.
If I were to raise the hood to the full open position it might become like an epileptic fit under the hood. Just the other day the 84 300d surged around a sharp corner. It did not catch itself quick enough. It will remember not to do it again or I might open the hood. I have heard these particular cars develop symptoms that self repair or go into remission? I know why mine do. I always carry a small tool assortment in the trunk.