My 318....Is no more..... :(

have you tried frying behind the eccentric to see if it wobbled or anything? have you tried pulling on the timing gear and see how much end play it has?

you can dip a white paper towel in the front of the oil pan and see if any metal flak shows up on it also.

you should pop the timing gears off,and pull the cam thrust plate and see if there is any noticable wear.