"seems like it will never start"
From this we can guess all day long, I will guess that it is turning over, and just not starting?
If so, do you get a cycle of the glow plug light on the dash? and wait for 15 seconds before trting to start? Also charge up the battery, these cars take a lot of power to start, and if the battery is low, it may just spin, and not start.
"crotchety"ness (my favorite term for the week) asside, the members here are great! and would love to help you!
More input!

__________________
83 300SD Dark Silver Dark brown inside