Diesel starting issue

[H_E_Dean 0]

I have a 2004 Ford Everest diesel, that is a finicky starter.  Where I live (1540m elevation and average temp of around 20° C) she will not start (first start of the day) until about the 3rd round of cranking. While cranking, white smoke puffs from the exhaust, and upon starting it belches grey smoke. After running, she may start right up after a few to several hours, but once sitting for a prolonged period or overnight, the hard start cycle continues. When I was at sea level and about 30° temp she started right up after sitting for an extended period most of the day, overnight, and into the next day. I've tried cranking when the glow plug indicator goes out, I've tried keeping the ignition on for an extended time, and I've even tried cycling the glow plugs a few times before cranking, but it's the same issue. The glow plugs are good (recently replaced), starter is good, and battery is good, so now I'm at a loss... Thanks!