Personally I prefer to turn the key then put my seat belt on. By the time I am done putting my seatbelt on the glow plug lights are off. Just a preference I guess.

if one wants the full life from a diesel then the glow cycle should be completed both hot and cold. one should never put any fuel to a diesel that want get burnt. glow plugs start the fire.
just my habit and knowledge from experience
larry perkins

Mine takes longer to start even if the engine is warm if it has been more than 10 mins since I turned it off...even when its warm outside. If I give it a five second glow it fires right off. Mine just likes the glow plugs I guess. If I crank cold when its 50+ outside it takes about 10-12 rotations for it to light off from cold....with some smoke and unhappyness. But I have afterglow, which still runs even if you crank right away, so that probably minimizes it.

__________________
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once mine is warmed up, even after sitting for an hour, it will fire up after a second of cranking.. its like.. instant...

in the cold(in FL.. HA!) it takes maybe one glow cycle and it starts fine

VW's TDI engine doesnt even turn on the glow plugs unless the temp is below 40F. Assuming its 60F or above where you are i see no harm in just starting up right up.

On the other side of things, when its close to 0F here in Michigan like it was the past few mornings i glow my 300D 3 times before i even try to start.

what is the compression ratio of the vw u speak of?
larry perkins

Remember.. on these older diesels you only get one chance at starting these things cleanly (When its cold). after that expect to hold the trigger for 10+ seconds.

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As long as they would add one additional commandment for you to keep thy religion to thyself.
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1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.