Haven't gotten a chance to look at this too carefully yet--I did replace the air filter just for kicks, seemed to mitigate the effects. Wife has been driving the car since Sunday so I don't know how the symptoms are progressing or regressing.

Last valve adjustment was about 20k miles ago.

The air in diesel lines issue is still a possibility; I will get a can of diesel purge and run it on that, see if it jerks.

Thanks for the thoughts!

OH YEAH: and if i can get my timing chain replaced for $100, sign me up....

__________________
JBG
1985 TD wagon, 228k
running on grease since 3.07
AUSTIN, TEXAS