Gabe,

My 1983Dt has the same symptoms and I believe that it is the head gasket. The car has a rough idle, but once it revs out it runs okay. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and am also searching for a good/honest mechanic to repair the car. Our diesel mechanic for the last 10 years recently passed away and he worked from his home in Miami. Someone recommended a shop by State Rd 84 and 441, the guys name is Luigi. I am planning to go buy tomorrow, so send me your number and I will call you after finding the shop.

Regards,

Alex
collin380@yahoo.com