84 300 sd hard start cold

[dalpil]

Hello, new to this board but hope someone can help. I purchased an 84 300 sd off of ebay that was in a front end collision. It sat for about a year and was headed to the bone yard but I got it cheap and replaced the front clip - including welding in a front inner fender. I am officially addicted to the Mercedes diesels and am impressed how this car drives considering what she's been through. I live on the great lakes and now that it's cooler at night, I'm having a horrible time getting the engine running in the morning, block heater plugged in or not. Once I get running after ALOT of cranking, it'll start fine the rest of the day, under any conditions. Every morning is a chore, though, and as it gets colder will really become an issue. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.