Loss of power on inclines - 1993 Subaru Loyale wagon

[subarugrandma]

1.8, 4cyl 5spd AWD with 112,000 miles.  Have replaced timing belts, tuneup, oil pump seals but still doesn't have much power up even a gradual hill.  Have been told to replace throttle positioning sensor which is a pretty spendy part.  Looking for some expert advice from other Subaru owners?

[l75eya]

Check for vac leaks, make sure the exhaust isn't clogged at all, give us a little more info on how it runs all other times. Does it miss? Run smooth? Does it have good pick-up when you floor it on level ground?

Can you run a compression test on each cylinder?

[l75eya]

Also it's probably not AWD. Those are kinda rare. If you have a button on the stick shift or a lever you move to engage 4wd (2nd stick) it's 4WD not AWD and you need to make sure you don't use that 4WD on dry surfaces such as pavement.

[subarugrandma]

Don't know how the A replaced the 4, but yes it is a 4WD and no I don't use it much in Oregon.  Runs smooth and accelerating on flat is no problem, although I don't travel over 65 on the flat.  It does miss when climbing and I am giving it gas and down shifting to struggle up any hill. Where do you check for clog in exhaust?  I can have a compression test done and someone check for vacuum leaks but that will entail a garage I guess.

[naru]

Sputtering on a long hill,but running well otherwise is usually a sign of fuel starvation.

Try changing the fuel filter first.