My "new" '81 manual 240D has "hesitated" a bit upon initial startup during the three months I've owned it. Originally thought it might be a battery issue, but this morning when I went to turn the key to the "start" position after the glow light wen out...nothing on first and second tries...not even a "click". THIRD try started as normal.

Manual...NO neutral switch issue like with an automatic. Where would you start looking for the trouble source? AND...can you start a manual diesel by "popping the clutch" the way you can a gasser?

Did a search, nothing I found QUITE matched up...your thought solicited humbly.