Could be as simple as bad fuel. Suprises a lot of people. Once you have experienced it a few times yourself. Then you never totally discount it.

From the added description if the glow plugs quickly check out I would want to do a compression check. The smoke indicates it probably is getting fuel.

This engine should be able to self start with no glow plugs perhaps this time of year. Or could be quite fussy and always need them.

I have never owned one of these engines. Perhaps someone else knows them well enough to mention if they do or do not require the glow plugs. Thats is at warm ambient temperatures above seventy degrees.