I put it into gear and it dies.

I can turn the idle screw up and it'll run but it runs terrible. sounds like a vw. and none of my friends have a timing light to even check mine against. that's why I had to buy one. even O'Reilly's stopped renting them because nobody uses them anymore
Ok. Try this. With it timed and running at idle place your hands over the top of the carb as if to choke it out. Start with hands cupped loosely letting air bypass freely. Slowly move your hands together restricting the air more and more. See if there is a spot that makes the engine idle increase and smooth out. Choking beyond that sweet spot will make it slow down more or die off.