Volvo: 87 volvo 240dl not starting, vacuum leaks, car mom

Question
Well I tried the fuel filter but that doesn't seem to be the problem. It seams to me now that allthough the filter might have been the problem for why it was stalling out I think the reason to why it isn't starting now is that when it gets close to starting it seems like the power shuts off momentaraly, stops cranking, and then starts again.  You can see the fan completely stop turning and the lights on the dash go out.  Any clues would be apreciated.

thanks

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Followup To
Question -
Hi I have an 87 volvo that is failing to start. The problem started on a 15 degree day I was letting it warm up and after about 5 minutes it stalled out and I was able to get it restarted twice after that but it stalled both times and now won't come close to starting.  Fuses are good. It has spark at the plugs and the fuel pump is working.  While I crank it it sounds like it is sort of going to start but doesn't really come close.  Also while cranking about every 5 seconds it will greatly slow down while cranking and the speedometer will jump to about 20mph and then continue cranking normally which seems very strange to me. I've also tried starting it with the MAF disconnected and I've searched for vacuum leaks and found none.  Any help would be apreciated.  Thanks.
Answer -
Sounds like it is a fuel related problem.  I would check your fuel filter first, then also check to make sure the injectors are working properly, especially the cold start injector.  Any stoppage in these areas will produce the effects you are experiencing.  If those investigations yield nothing, I would run some tests on the fuel pressure in the line, all the way from the tank to the injectors, looking for losses of pressure along the way, especially at the acumulator right next to the main fuel pump.  Good luck!


Answer
That issue sounds more electrical in nature.  I would have someone monitor the spark at the plugs while you crank to see if the spark disappears when the car momentarly stops cranking.  It could be your battery is starting to die as well from all the dry cranking, you might consider jumping the car and trying it that way.  Let me know how that goes.