I had this problem on my '91 Carat and it turned out to be the Air Flow
Meter.  Put in a new one and it was good to go.  I have the 2.1l AFMs for
$120 (new, Bosch).  If you have a 1.9l I have these too but they are more
expensive.

Hope this helps,
Ken Wilford
Van-Again
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Office: (856)-765-1583
Fax: (856)-327-2242