Could a grinding noise originate from the distributer?

Hi All,
Unfortunatly I'm still being plagued with a noise from my engine (a 1.1 formal E), even after checking the alternator and changing the water pump. To summarise I have a grinding sort of noise in all engine conditions, from idle with clutch depressed, to WOT in 4th gear. The noise only disapears if I accelerate hard in 1st or 2nd gear (even then its only gone for a few seconds while the little lump is producing max power )
Even thought is quite hard to guestimate where the noise is coming from I've got a feeling that its originating from the distributer. Is this possible, or am I just clutching at straws now?
I don't think its G/B related as the noise is constant throughout engagement of the clutch and running through the gears, and as mentioned sounds directly related to the RPM.

Any offers to what this maybe would be greatly appreciated :dontknow:

The oil pump on these engines is driven by a slot in the end of the crank and is notorious for wearing out. Is the noise louder when the oil is cold and thick?

Have you tried the old ear on the end of a screwdriver trick to try and narrow down the location?

The noise seems to be at a steady level most of the time, although when I first picked the car up I seem to remember that the noise seemed to be a little less noticable when the engine was cold. This might just have been due to the fact that I wasn't familiar to the cars sounds back then.

I haven't as of yet tried the old screwdriver trick. I'll have a play on the weekend and post a note if I can narrow the sound area down

thanks