Starting diesel engine (merc 108d) with knackered glowplugs

[swiftpete]

Hi, I have just acquired a mercedes vito 108d, with at least one knackered glowplug. Ultimately I intend to get them replaced, but for now cold starting is a bit of a problem. Can anyone offer any advice on how to get round this? I remember when I was a kid my dad used to light some newspaper and try to warm the engine up with that to aid starting. Even at the time I thought it was pretty ridiculous though. Any other suggestions? I don't mind having a go at replacing them myself when I can, I've read a lot of the time on these vans it's a head off job though as apparently they snap 'like a carrot' when trying to remove them, so I've read anyway, so I'm a bit reluctant.
Cheers,
Pete