Gentlemen;

My D with 120K miles has started doing something strange and I don't know
what might be causing it.  Before I bring it to the dealer I thought I
would try asking here.

It's been running quite well. However, about 1-2 weeks ago it started
cranking very slowly.  I thought it might be the battery so I've been
carrying around a self-contained jumper pack.  However, here's how the
symptoms usually go:

I try to crank it and it barely or does NOT turn over.  Sounds like its
coming up on the compression cycle and stops cranking.  However, when I
connect the jumper pack it then seems to turn over normally then starts.

Once started, is won't continue running.  If I heal & toe it I can keep the
revs up sufficient to keep it running.  But, when I shift into drive it
will stall.  But this time it cranks over just fine and usually starts.
Then, when I back down my driveway into the road and stop to change
direction, it stalls.  Another restart.  I drive <1 mile to the corner of
my street and it stalls.  Another start on its own power and the engine
starts but when I come to the next stop sign... it stalls.

Obviously I cannot drive this car like this.  Does ANYONE have any ideas
relative to  this problem?  When it runs... it runs great.  But not this
time.

I will be eagerly awaiting any and all replies.

Thank you,

Bob M