V70 TDI (1997) "pauses" - airflow meter maybe ???

[paulstewart]

My V70 TDI (1997) "pauses" for a quick breather from time to time. The engine seems to lose power and does not accelerate with its usual gusto. Could this be the airflow meter? Anyone got similar experience, and what was the problem? All suggestions welcome. I've just bought the car for a keen price due to the problem. Volvo couldn't fix it despite changing loads of stuff at the last owner's expense. He was not very mechanically minded, and couldn't stomach the potential of more expense! I'm not saying the local Volvo dealer ripped him off, but how was new heater plugs going to solve this??? Mmmmm... Problem really is transient - there one minute, gone the next, mightn't show again for a week. Thanks to all posters in advance.

Paul.