what's happening to my '88: starts, noise, stalls

[davvero]

After starting up, there is a sputtering, coughing sound coming from front end. There is also a weird sound in the front but closer to the steering wheel.

Usually after driving 10 minutes it sounds ok and drives fine.

However, a few times it stalled out after driving a minute or two. It started up again after a few tries. I brought it to the mechanic after the first time and they couldnt find anything wrong. It had been raining the 2nd time it happened.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Many thanks.