Dodge: idling problem, gasket surfaces, vacuum leak

Question
i have a 1998 dodge dakota with 42,000 miles. the truck will start but will not idle. i can rev up the engine and put it in gear and the truck will cut off when i stop. it does this a couple of times, then it runs fine until i shut the engine off again.

Answer
Things to check as stated in the manual!
Looose or faulty electrical connections at distributor,coil or alternator.
fault in fuel or electrical system.
Vacuum leak at the gasket surfaces of the intake manifold or throttle body(make sure throttle body is clean)and check all vacuum hoses.
restricted intake or exhaust system.
Air in the fuel lines or faulty fuel pump.
Could also be bad gas(contaminated).