Hi,
I have an '86 Golf (diesel). Recently it's been really hard to get started cold, I get lots of smoke and have to crank it quite a bit. It starts fine if its already warm (or been started once that day). It's not actually cold outside right now...so does this mean a real problem?
J.

 

Glow plugs seems need to be replaced.
a.

 

1.) i would check the glow plug fuse first, its the thin strip of metal in the fusebox with plastic cover over it. if thats ok
2.) then make sure your glow plugs are working right, turn key on engine off they should be warm, if you got a test light that even better.