the ac adapter i plug into the laptop and it does not charge unless i pull it tight to the left or right and keep it there.

It’s either a bad power jack (have to resolder or replace the jack) or defective power cable (have to replace the adapter).
1. Power jack. I’m not familiar with this laptop but most likely the power jack is located on the motherboard. You’ll have to disassemble the laptop and take a closer look at the power jack. If it’s broken, replace the jack. If it’s just a loose connection between the jack and motherboard, resolder it. I think 4 hours is too much for this kind of repair and 2 or 2.5 hours would be fair enough.
2. Defective power cord. Overtime the wire inside the power cord can get damaged and you’ll have to find a correct position for the power plug/cord in order to get power to the laptop. You can test the power cord with a voltmeter. If the power cuts off when you move the power plug, probably the power cord is damaged. Replace the adapter in this case.
More likely you have a problem with the power jack, not the power cord.

now one more question… the ac adapter i plug into the laptop and it does not charge unless i pull it tight to the left or right and keep it there. its like it has a short in it or something. i know it has to do with someone about sodering up the mother board. but i went to my local computer guy and he was over 4 hours or labor in money and that seems like way too much. or is that useally how it goes. is it hard to do if i know someone that soders??