Chuck:

Check the vacuum lines, and the hoses on the idle control valve (under the air filter housing). You will also have to check for other vac leaks such as a bad brake booster.

What is happening is that you have a vac leak, most likely, and also a sticking idle control valve. Engine starts OK, but the idle valve closes and then doesn't open fast enough. Usually a result of dirt from a leaking hose -- I've seen several of them split recently along the seam.

It is also possible you have a bad fuel pump relay, causing the fuel pressure to drop off -- it may run OK while cranking, but go intermittant in the run posiition. Outside chance it's the keyswitch too -- if wriggling the key makes the problem go away, replace the switch.

My money would be on the vac system, most likely a split idle control valve hose -- I'm working on that on the TE right now!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!