Volvo Repair: 84 Volvo 240 wagon AT AC 2.3L, volvo 240 wagon, vacuum line

Question
Car will start (sometimes), but will not idle or rev up. The one time I got it to rev a little, timing light showed the timing was not advancing. Vacuum line to ignition control unit is okay, but the vacuum assembly on the control unit will not hold vacuum when I use my vacuum pump. The distributor does not have a vacuum advance nor any mechanical advance weights. What do you think could be the problem?

Thanks

Answer
Fenix, check the actual timing.  Pull the cover and see if the marks are all lined up.  The control unit should hold vacuum.  They do fail.  Disconnect the airmass meter and see if the car at least idles for you.  If it does and then you plug the meter back in, then the meter is bad.  Roger