Dan,
Had the same problem with my '82 Diesel Rabbit.  I replaced all glow plugs
at the same time, alongwith the relay, and the problem cleared up
completely.  You may want to replace all - including #3 again.
A word of caution: If I remember correctly, there are two types of glow
plugs and relays - long glow & short glow.  You can not interchange the
two, and a different relay is required for each type.  You may want to
check that out too.  Any one on the list know the different part numbers?
Martin?

Alan Bosch

GREEN-DANIEL ALLAN <dgreen@ICE.LAKEHEADU.CA> on 10/06/98 04:51:23 PM

Please respond to GREEN-DANIEL ALLAN <dgreen@ICE.LAKEHEADU.CA>

To:   Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
cc:    (bcc: Alan R Bosch/Sales/RA/Rockwell)
Subject:  82 Diesel Glow Plug Problem?

1982 Diesel Vanagon. I had my glow plug relay and glow plug #3
replaced in July because of inconsistent hard starting- it worked
great, until last week.  Now always hard starting and I have to use
the starter to get it warmed and going, but not without a lot of
smoke. The glow plug indicator light on dash still functions
normally.  Fuse? Bad Glow plug? Other? Help, I'm still learning
about diesels.