Thread: LN106 hard starting: ideas?

'94 LN106 with 150k km, previously started first crank every time, today and yesterday I've had to turn it over for a few seconds before it'll fire up. Glow plug relay is clicking on and off, glow plug rail getting power (test light). Doesn't cough and splutter for the first couple of seconds of cranking. I think it's a fuel issue but there aren't any visible leaks from any lines/filter/pump. Diesel filter was clean. Runs and idles fine once going. Ideas?

Local mechanics didn't bolt the diesel filter/primer pump back onto the studs when they reinstalled it after swapping a brake line the other day and I only noticed today so it's been rattling around loose on the studs, but I don't really see how that could be a problem (never trust the professionals).