Harmonic Balancer VS. Water Pump Conflict

I suspect the pump or cover
If the cover is machined wrong it can locate the pump lower
Or the pump might be machined wrong
I understand what you are saying but the bolt holes and gaskets seemed to match up perfectly.

I thought I was doing the right thing when I installed the balancer before final tightening the cover and pump so that the oil seal would be centered on the balancer. I don't see how that could cause a problem.