Ford 4000 Fuel Problem

[RonC]

Hello folks. I've got a '74 Ford 4000 that I just got a few days ago. It has the 3 cylinder diesel. I'll admit up front that I know very little about diesels, so I thought I would ask some of the experts for their opinions.
This is a very strong running tractor when it is at operating temperature. When cranking first thing in the morning, or after it has set for awhile, it is very slow to crank and when it does, it smokes like crazy with a real strong diesel fuel smell. After warming up for a while it will clear almost completely up.
I also noticed under the exhaust pipe flapper cover, it looks pure black and it feels hard, almost like sooty fuel deposits have been baked on.
I intend to take this in to a diesel tech and get it checked out, but I wanted to get some opinions before hand.
Appreciate any help you fellas can give.

 

[Royse]

I'm not a diesel expert either, but here's my experience.
Diesels do not start well if they do not crank fast enough.
If you cure the slow cranking you may fix the starting.

Diesel "slober" from the exhaust can be caused from not
working them hard enough/not getting them up to temp.

 

[souNdguy]

and to add to what royse said ( i'm no mechanic either ).. diesels smoke when starting. and sometimes even when cold.. and on throttle up.. it's just not uncommon,, and is expected. during starting.. unburnt fuel comes out inthe exhaust....

if she is sluggish starting. check batteey terminals and connections to ground and battery posts.. starter and solenoid