Hi everyone. I've been having (too many) problems with my '85 GLT recently. The latest problem is that it won't start sometimes (most of the time) when it's cold, unless I floor it, which is (from what I know) really bad for them. Other times when it does start without any pedal work it goes to about 1000rpm then drops to around 400-500 and begins to drop unless I give it gas- and other times will pulse somefrom 800-1100 or so. My thought is that this is a vacuum problem? I took it to a Volvo specific mechanic and they didn't do what I hoped they would- they adjusted the idle and mixture and told me nothing else was wrong, which is clearly not the case. They didn't seem like they liked this 'old Volvo' in their place and apparently weren't happy when my dad took it back over for me (I was busy at the time and couldn't). Apparently they found a vacuum leak somewhere (I'm not sure where as of now) and 'fixed it' by cutting off the end and sticking it back on. I'll admit, my vacuum lines aren't in great shape, as far as I know and can tell they're original and some of them have visual dryness to them. I seem to have lost my Haynes manual (my only manual) so that doesn't help any (although it's a bit lacking in this area anyway). What is the vacuum line that comes up from under the intake right in the middle of it and plugs into the intake right on the middle inside?

My other problem is when I put the clutch in, like comeing to a stop and it's just in neutral- when I first put the clutch in it drops to about 400 rpm then catches itself and idles fine at about 900 rpm. If the engine isn't warm when I put the clutch in it dies. Could this be related to the starting problem?

I really need help with this, this is supposed to be my reliable commuter car and it's not being that. I tried the pay route and that was expensive to get me nowhere, so now it's up to me. I plan to replace the vacuum lines as soon as I can get the new material and do so.

Thanks for any help and/or suggestions.

Also, anyknow know a good old Volvo friendly shop in Sonoma County CA, Santa Rosa area?