318 2bbl won't idle without choke
MY research has alerted me to the nylon timing gear these engines used, and since I'm sure mine is original I'm inclined to replace it and the harmonic balancer (and the water pump while I'm there) before going much further.
I think you're chasing ghosts on the nylon gear, mine is circa 1973. If it runs, then the nylon timing gear is on there and in no way broken, they do not shed individual teeth. They are nylon/not plastic. If you pull the D out to look, you will just add more confusion when trying to re-install it.
I think I might mentioned it a couple of times already, to just tug on the V-can and put some advance into that thing; irregardless of the number; just pull! We can chase the balancer later. At 2000 rpm that engine will like over 40* of advance in N/P, maybe even as much as 56*.
At 650, it's gonna like maybe 25/30; you cannot hurt it; Just PULL!
For testing purposes, open up the points to not less than .022, (actual amount not important; I just want to see the condenser is working, and eliminate a miss due to a closed point on one cylinder caused by a worn-out top bushing or bent shaft), then, pull on the Vcan with the engine running, until it smooths out. Keep advancing until it slows down, then back up some. This is just a test. If it smooths out, then you know we're on the right track. If the sucking sound simultaneously also goes away, so much the better. Pull!
Unless you physically broke your timing-light it may not be as broke as you think. If the plugs get shorted out by a rich mixture, the hi-tension voltage leaks to ground, and your timing light will not register a spark. The proof is to put your clamp on another wire, and seeing a strobe on that one. Then your light may be fine.
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