tgm

Thanks! Will try all the above, including looking for someone who can rebuild the vacuum advance.

Help request: I'm trying to keep my one and only car, 1984 Subaru GL wagon (manual, dual 4wd, 1.8L) going. Disclaimer: I am not a mechanic, albeit reasonably handy with mechanical things. It has problems going uphill, sometimes even in 1st gear, especially when it's cold and snowy. I suspected the vacuum advance. Took it to local repair place to have vacuum advance checked and replaced if needed. They charged me lots of money, replaced spark plugs and wires, and did nothing about vacuum advance. Upon requesting info about why they had not done the requested repair, I was told that the vacuum advance was bad. They could not find a replacement. My query: Where can I find a replacement, what vacuum advances are compatible with this machine, and is this likely to fix its traumatic uphill behavior? Can I do this, or do I need auto mechanic help? Also: oil pump is leaking significant amounts of oil (a quart every few weeks). Is it repairable? Do replacement units exist? Is this something I can do myself? Many thanks!