Hi Volks.....My 83 diesel has developed a peculiar annoyance.  He used
to start right up, quickly on the first try.  Lately the engine turns
over longer (like approx 8 seconds or so) before firing.  Then, after
the engine starts, it will idle okay for a few seconds before it begins
to sputter and vibrate and die.  It feels like it's fuel starved.....and
pressing the accelerator doesn't seem to be delivering the needed fuel.
Usually I go through that two or three times and then he'll fire up and
run great.  Note:  I follow the owner's manual start sequence to the
letter.

Second question:  What brand oil do my fellow diesel owners use?  The
Bentleys and the owner's manual both state that the oil MUST have the
API rating CD.  My local parts store only had one oil (a Valvoline
Racing oil) with that rating.  The PO used a synthetic oil that didn't
have a CD rating and I was blowing significant smoke under even moderate
load.  The smoke has diminished significantly since I changed the oil.

Last question:  What additives are you volks using in your diesel.  I
did an internet search and came up with something called Dr. Diesel.
According to their website......their stuff is the best......(now that's
surprising ;)  )....and many of the other additives (such as STP,
Chevron Techron, Red Line, and others) are either no better than #2
diesel fuel straight or have ingredients that are downright harmful for
the engine or the fuel lines.  Anyone use this Dr. Diesel stuff???

Thanks !!

Bob