I had the same problem with my '92 Jetta TurboD--could be a (U.S.) $0.70 
in-line glow plug fuse.  Same exact symptoms--lotsa white smoke, then an 
eventual fire-up and runs fine until the next cold restart.  

John K. Hopp
Resident, New Mexico,(USA)

On Wed, 18 Jan 1995, P.J. Kenny wrote:

> When I mounted the brave charger this afternoon to go to the 
> shops in the snow, it wouldn't work.  The blue thing just sat 
> on the road and grunted at me.  Every time I turned the key, 
> the engine turned normally.  Except it wouldn't fire.
> 
> I trundled down the hill unpowered and tried again.  The 
> wonderful 1.9L diesel engine that does 38.5mpg kept farting and 
> spluttering for nearly ten minutes.  I cranked it about ten 
> times during that period.
> 
> Just as I was about to walk the 100 yards to the shop, the 
> engine chugged into life with an apologetic plume of grey smoke 
> and it has run perfectly since.  FYI, my first task was to go 
> to the VW garage to fill the tank and I mentioned it to one of 
> the mechanics.  He said "Isn't that strange?" and walked away.  
> I guess I owe them too much money.
> 
> Today had the first fall of snow of the winter here, a full 
> quarter inch that lasted all of one hour on the ground.  Maybe 
> the blue thing is frightened?  It might not have seen snow 
> before.
> 
> I wonder what will happen tomorrow ...
> 
> --- Schponfirkle!
>     from PJ, the perplexed Bushrat.
> 
> - gremlin@iol.ie - pj kenny - ennis, co. clare, ireland -
> - will eat worms for cash - can't find my real sig file -
> - '91 T4 1.9 diesel - bluething - radio going weird too -
> 
> "I met someone who looks a lot like you
>        She does the things you do
>           But she is an I.B.M."        - 'Yours Truly, 2095', 
> ELO
> 
>