This is a car I just bought about 3 weeks ago. It drives "fine" for 1979 and seems ready to add another 400k to the 115k miles it has. It was taken care of as a secondary/tertiary vehicle.
Recently, without warning, it just plain would not KICK over when started. This is my first ever Diesel and I have no help other than a mechanic who is not very familiar with diesel engines.

NOW, I can start the car doing something the owner would do, at times, when the car wouldnt start. I dont LIKE doing this and need someone to tell me FIRST, why I shouldnt do it and B) what is wrong that this ACTION starts the car.
THE ACTION? I spray - "CarQuest Heavy Duty Starting Fluid" into the air filter intake spot.. and: POOF, the car starts. WHY? What is NOT working on the car that it can not do this on its own?
PLEASE ask questions relating to SMOKE -white and only when the car starts and then, just a small amount. I do not know if there are large amounts of smoke any other time as even this white smoke is NEW and wasnt happening three-four days ago.
HELP>

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