I know I'm having vacuum issues because my door locks are rock solid they will not push down! What I need to get straight in my head is can the original shutdown issue be caused by the aforementioned vacuum issues? Will the engine actually shutdown do to vacuum problems? Or is it an air issue in or around the pump somwhere?? ...

Added: I had not read Kerry's post when I posted the below info.

That is easy to trouble shoot. Disconnect the Vacuum Line at the Vacuum Shutoff on the Fuel Injection Pump and plug the vacuum line end you disconnected.
If you can start and drive with out the problem showing up
then it is likely you have some vacuum issue.

Altenativly you can disconnect that Vacuum Hose at the Vacuum Shutoff and connect a Vacuum Gauge to it. Start the Engine. You should be getting no vacuum reading.

High crankcase/blow by pressure can push the Vacuum Shutoff towards the shut off position. Make sure the vent on the valve cover and the related tubing are not obstructed.
You can start your Engine and remove the Oil Fill Cap and see how much blow by chufs out.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Thanks bud... Back to square one... I guess I'll keep plugging away at the vacuum since that seems to be at least part of the cause...