When I start my ford diesel (F-350 truck.188000 miles) it takes three times to start and knocks for about a minute after start before smoothing out.Can some one tell me how to fix this problem?

 

Is it blowing white smoke until it warms for a few minutes? If so, suspect glow plug issues. Otherwise, it sounds like a lack-of-fuel problem.

 

1st check the glow plugs they may need replacing as it has alot of miles on it...if that ain the problem have it compression checked......check the oil is it a powerstroke or a navistar....powerstrokes being direct injected are really noisy upon startup especially when cold....i would seriously look into the glow plugs though as they do need to be replaced regularly like plugs just a longer time in between.