I rechecked the glow plugs and they sound ok, according to this link: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=106447

I get a steady decline in voltage across each plug, about ten at the start and 2 across the last plug. it seems the plugs are working according to everything i've seen so far.

The battery is new and holds a full charge.

I don't really have a good sense for the starter, so a slow starter seems like the best bet so far.

I'll go out and tinker with it somemore.

Also, no vacum when i open the cap.