Originally Posted by DieselAddict

Jwoos, have you or your mechanic removed the black, plastic cover from the top of the engine and inspected the injector lines and hoses? It's really easy to do and it's a good idea. If you're leaking fuel there, that might explain the hard starting and low power. The same applies to fuel leaks around the injection pump and fuel filter lines. Maybe this has been done already, but if not, that's where I would start! The intake manifold flaps are easy to clean and lubricate too and I would do that while I have the crossover pipe removed.