okay, solved the problem.

cracked spark plug wire.

I was a day away from sending it to the shop and renting a car. so I probably saved about $300.

I love easy fixes, even if it took me two weeks to figure it out.

thanks for the advice

-Bruce

Similiar symptoms to a bad turbo hose. Carefully check for tears or holes in the hoses that lead from the turbo to the throttle body. They are sometimes are difficult to find. I have a plug with a schrader valve that fits the hose that attaches to the turbo. I use my air compressor set for 15 psi to pressurize the system to check for leaks.

Randy

Bruce:

You could have a throttle body or an idle air control valve that need cleaning. The TB needs to be cleaned off the car because there are some small passages that you can reach better that way. Be very careful removing the throttle cable connector, or it will break. Don't use carb cleaner; get special TB cleaner.

The IAC valve is a bear to reach; it is under the intake manifold, so don't try it with a hot engine. The hoses can be brittle and break, so be gentle. Hope you have thin arms and long fingers.

If the problem persists, maybe it is a clogged cat.

Steve 86 Turbo 170K miles