96 Golf 1.9 TD Won't Fire on Start-up.

[Redbaron]

Over the past few weeks my diesel Golf (1.9 TD) it has become increasingly difficult to start. I have had to pump the fuel through a little to get the engine to fire, which was previously never the case. Today it just didn't fire at all, despite the engine turning ok. Is it a glow plug problem? I am naiive about diesel problems since this car has never had any. I have had the car 4 years and done 55000 miles without changing plugs etc. I would appreciate your help..

[Huweth]

It has been colder lately, so could be the glowplugs. How does it run when it's going?
What sort of servicing are you doing?
What colour is the smoke on startup?
Has the power been decreasing lately too?
Have you changed fuels?
It could be many things but we need more details.

[Redbaron]

Servicing included new diesel filter 3000 miles ago. Smoke was clean when running (not very smoky at all ), and at the moment it is clean but smells of heating oil as it comes out of the exhaust un-ignited.
While it was becoming more difficult to start recently, it ran perfectly with no loss of power. I have been using the same garage for years.
Strangely, with the heat returning , the starting was improving slightly the last few days, with no indication that things would pack up like this.