Cold start problem 300Tdi 1996 Disco

For nearly a year I've had to put up with starting problems with my 300Tdi 1996 Disco Auto. When cold or left standing for a day or so, even in summer, it takes an age to start. Worse in winter. With the key turned for an age it tries to catch about ten times or even more - and when it finally does, there is a huge cloud of smoke - and the coughing neighbours are not happy. It is then fine for the rest of the day and starts first time. But when left overnight... Its been in to a well known Yorkshire Landy specialist twice and still not cured. Fuel lines checked, as have sedimenter and pickup unit. Fuel lift pump has been changed, heater plugs changed twice and new belts.

Any ideas?

Help!

Mmm had a similar problem with my not so long back, had new bits n pieces changed likewise, battery, heater plugs e.t.c..but still got worse until it finally failed altogether.
Turned out I had no pressure in the cylinders, or not enough, when a switched on mechanic dived in to sort out. Story goes like this; bought disco in Saudi had it looked after by a local garage that I thought knew it's business with discos, plenty of em inside being worked on! Mmm should have realised they were there the year after? Anyway, I had the head gasket changed there, and it turns out these dipsticks didn't really know discos afetr all, screwed up the pressures. When we brought it home (finland) well with the winters here the poor thing didn't stand a chance, ended up with new engine being fitted (many thanks to Turner Engineering, a great bunch), got a winter engine heater installed and now sweet as new. Hope yours is not as bad as mine was, but worth having the compression checked I think, before costly repairs come knocking your door.

sounds like good advice - thanks