cold start problem

i have a 99 freelander 2.0d,
when cold you have to crank it for about 20 to 30 sec and glow it a couple of times before it starts. when it starts there is a lot of white smoke. i replaced injectors about a year ago and and glow plugs last week but it still does the same:doh::doh::doh::doh:
when warm it starts on the first turn

Any advice will help.

Given that you have replaced most of the usual suspects (injectors, plugs, relays etc) could it be a compression problem?

Of course, to start with something more simple, it could be down to fuel quality etc.

The white smoke after startup is probably just the unburnt fuel from the long cranking cycle(s).

But, given that it starts fine when hot, I wonder if things aren't sealing as they once did.

How many miles has it done?

it has done about 185000 km, the mechanic next door thinks that the fuel flows back to through the pump and i must put a none return valve on the inbound fuel line.

Are you sure your glowplugs are actually getting power. I have heard that sometimes the relay gives a problem and although the light comes on on the dash, they get no power. I tested mine by connecting a small light to the glow plug, and to earth. When I turn the key the light comes on, and stays on for slightly longer that the light on the dash. While you crank the engine, the light stays on, and only goes out after the enigine is running for a few seconds. The lower the ambient temperature, the longer the glow plugs operate for. Rave manual (which you can download for free - do a search on this site) explains it nicely, and I tested it using the light.

Just tested that as well, light stays on for 4 seconds after dash light goes of and goes of when enjin runs.

Sounds like pump timing problem to me.

How much history do you have with the vehicle? Had any belts changed recently?
Id check the timing using a 9.5mm drill bit for the fuel pump and a 17/64 imp drill bit (6.74mm) for the flywheel. DO NOT USE THE 6.5MM AS DESCRIBED IN THE HAYNES MANUAL- HAYNES IS INCORRECT!

When doing this carefully check your tensioners too.

Tank sender clean can help with starting too.

I will check the pump timing the week end when I have some time available. I have not changed the timing belt yet but i know the previous owner took it for regular services to the agents. I will check the tensioners as well cause i can hear the one tensioner is not so nice any more. where does the tank sender sit? how do I clean that?