slick,
my missus has been busting my gonads the last couple of months because the valver was visiting the garage once a month for difficult bits and i've been tinkering with the easy bits. money money money, i must admit i was getting a bit cheesed off myself and had a moment of madness where i thought the voices in my head were right.
i think i've now replaced (fingers crossed) all parts that wear with a car this age and in hindsight while it's been annoying not having it going or not going perfect, i know i'd much rather be spunking my dollar on my valver than what i'd be paying each month for a fairly new car.
you have got to hang on in there, get her back on the road and remember why you got her in the first place.
good luck, i hope you get it sorted
