Matt,
I found the #47 (miss named) valve plate on both your and the FNH IPL and I see the “A” arrow pointing to the back side of it. Must indicate that back side. No A stamped on it? Maybe indicates the special brass surface?
In the repair manual under Motor Assembly, 4.
“Using the assembling tool, install the 3 drive pins as shown, Fig 60.” Shows a cylinderical plug that holds the pins in place until it is displaced as you slide the motor cylinder block onto the output shaft. “After assembly make sure that the 3 pins are in correct position.” No valve plate at this point, moving on.
Motor and Port Block Assembly.
1. “Measure the depth of the cyl block to the housing surface, should be approx. 1.5mm. If insufficient clearance, disassemble the cyl block and check the positioning of the piston thrust plate, and recheck your assy procedure.
2. Dowel pins.
3. Gasket.
4. “Position the valve plate on the port block using grease to hole it in place.”
No mention or pic as to which side should be up, toward the cyl block! Sorry.
5. “Install the motor and housing assy to the port block.”
Not much help, I’m afraid. Maybe you can figure it out.
Regards, Bernie