If your Fuel Injection Pump has a Vacuum Shutoff on it try disconnecting the vacuum line from it and see if it stats OK like that. If it stats OK like that you may be having some issue with the Vacuum Shutoff on the Steering Colum Lock.

If you want to get fancier T in a vacuum gauge to the vacuum shut off line. While you are cranking the engine there should be no vacuum I that line.

The last one is even more bazar. If something is causing crankcase pressure or holding crankcase pressure (meaning not venting properly) the crankcase pressure can push your vacuum shutoff on the fuel injection pump (if you have one) into the shutoff position.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel