Terrible starting issues in cold weather.

[Sixdown]

My 85 Jetta Diesel has issues starting in all weather below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  I just tried starting it in 15 degree weather and ran down the battery trying to start it, which is what usually occurs and I have to keep jumping it (The battery is new).  Once it starts, if it does, it smokes like hell for a few minutes and then runs perfectly.  I have used the cold-start knob every time.

What is the problem with my car?  Injection timing?

[Vincent Waldon]

If you're getting really good cranking speed your battery, starter, and the connections in between are probably fine.

The usual two suspects of "starts hard when cold, smokes like a chimney, fine when warm" are the glowplug system and timing...I'd say 80/20 in favor of the glowplugs. 

Glowplug troubleshooting info here:
http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=28

Checking/setting timing info here:
http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=28

[smutts]

The usual two suspects of "starts hard when cold, smokes like a chimney, fine when warm" are the glowplug system and timing...I'd say 80/20 in favor of the glowplugs.  Wink

X2

[Op-Ivy]

I was having hard cold starting issues recently as well. Turns out two of my glowplugs were dead. The buggers...