Captainmonk is probably right about the word 'cold'. I agree with everyone else that the other two things can also be a cause. But plugging the car in fixes the problem. It always starts fine when plugged in. This means that temp is the problem. However, is this normal. It sounds real bad everytime I start if not warm. I know diesel depends on temperature to operate. But it seems like it shouldn't be like this. Of course it's an old car. But wondering what I can do to fix. Also, maybe compression??? I don't know but I thought this could be it. What should compression be on a 617?