Volvo: 1983 Volvo, vacuum leaks, vacuum hoses

Question
Hi Ray:  I have a 1983 Turbo Volvo-it works well but does not like to stop.  Cruises beautiful, but when I have to gear down to stop at intersection-red light etc. it will stall out-goes like a scalded cat but does like to idle too much.  Also should I be giving it a shot of gas when started it, or let her start and try and idle on own-am I flooded it out.
Thanks in advance.  Peggy

Answer
Peggy,
You can check for vacuum leaks and bad vacuum hoses and intake manifold for leaks, even the brake booster could be a vacuum leak. Those leaks throw off the fuel mixture and the engine will stall. How is the fuel and control pressure? Within specs? If the control pressure regulator is going bad that will affect runability. On a fuel injected engine you do not need to push the gas pedal to get it to start, if you do I would suspect a fault in the fuel system, maybe the control pressure regulator or leaking injector seals, dirty injectors, if intercooled the intercooler or hoses could be split/broken allowing the loss of idle. When the throttle housing gets all gummed up that will also make the engine hard to keep running at a cold start up. That can be removed and cleaned with carb cleaner. Is the ignition system in good shape? Could there be mis-fire because of bad plugs or cap, wires? Is the engine itself in good shape compression wise, has not jumped time from a bad or worn belt? Air or fuel filter clogged? Pre pump in the tank working or the screen clogged?