Hello all,
I have a 1984 190D and it has recently developed a hard starting problem after it has been sitting overnight or while I'm at school. My glow plug indicator has long been burnt out, so I generally listen for the relay to turn off (about 45 seconds) before attempting to start the engine. Just in the last two weeks, it takes at least 4 attempts to start the engine, running the starter for about 15 seconds each attempt. As I crank the engine, I am getting a lot of smoke which indicates that the engine is getting fuel, but I cannot figure out what is causing this hard start condition. Another symptom which may or may not be related to this problem is that I am getting 40-50 fewer miles out of a tank of diesel. I have inspected all of the fuel lines for leaks and determined that there is no significant leakage. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or ideas. Anything will help at this point. Thanks in advance.

Blake