Volvo: 1984 volvo station wagon dl, volvo station wagon, vacuum leaks

Question
The car suddenly lost power.  Very hard to start.  Runs rough when started.  If I jiggle the
gas pedal slightly it will sometimes "grab" and
run smooth.    A mechanic replaced the timing
belt, ignition wiring , distributor cap and rotor.
None of this helped.   I was able to drive the car 30 miles to the garage.  Once I get it to "grab" it would run smooth and fast.  If i step on the brake and stop I have to go through the
whole jiggle the gas pedal until it grabs again.
The trouble shooting section of the Chiltons manuel mentions moisture in the gas could
cause this.  I put in three cans of heet,  ran the
gas out to a 1/4 tank and filled it with 91 octane.   Still the same problem.  My mechanic has given up.  Can you suggest
anything.
           Lost in the boonies of Colorado

Answer
Hello Robert! Have you checked fo vacuum leaks? A bad vacuum leak can cause that problem. There are other things that can cause it too, but I would start there. Also Check fuel pressure. The regulator could be bad. I hope this helps you.


Jimmy
www.jlcarclinic.com