daihatsu 2.8 coughing and spluttering on start up

sorry if this is in the wrong place but couldn't find a engine sec that fits

Hi Lads , i wonder if any of you guys can help with some advice, i have a daihatsu 2.8 diesel
that has started coughing and spluttering on starting , a fare bit of white smoke out of the exhaust , gear box shaking a bit , now she starts then maybe 10 seconds in she dies/stalls
start her again same thing but may not die ,after 30 seconds to a minute and half she runs like a goodun no smoke no coughing and spluttering good power and ticks over a treat , if i start her again in the same day within 4 hours or so i dont have the problem ?? so i thought it was maybe the plugs so
i have replaced the heater plugs a few days ago hoping this would sort it
just to give you all the info the engine is in a landrover 90 with the correct conversion plate
i have had the landy for a year and this is now getting worse to the point it is a problem
i seviced her 8 months ago ,new oil and fillter ,new oil ingear box and in transfer box
i have just put some oft that stuff in the diesel tank that cleans the fuel system lowers emissions and gives more engine power to see if that helps
any ideas wellcome
thanks for your time

is the coolant level dropping, as it has symptons of hgf, or cracked head which isn't unusual if it has been overheated at some point.

That sounds like the front pump seal needs changing. While the engine is switch off during the night. air is allowed into the pump past the seal, that's why you are having problems first start up off the day. Other jap engines have the same trouble, and it's just the front seal. Get it changed and it will be cured.

freelance said:

is the coolant level dropping, as it has symptons of hgf, or cracked head which isn't unusual if it has been overheated at some point.

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SORRY for my ignorance but what does HGF stand for ???

Ian46 said:

That sounds like the front pump seal needs changing. While the engine is switch off during the night. air is allowed into the pump past the seal, that's why you are having problems first start up off the day. Other jap engines have the same trouble, and it's just the front seal. Get it changed and it will be cured.

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thanks for the info i will check this out

HGF=Head Gasket F*****

Ian46 said:

HGF=Head Gasket F*****

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arrrr i see
thanks