Very smokey and faltering revs at startup (Golf Mark IV)

[boeing11]

Hello all, first time here. My Golf 1.9 TDI is 2001 vintage with 115000 on the clock and has recently started pumping out torrents of blue smoke at startup while the revs falter for about 20 seconds before everything stabilizes and I can drive off normally. I am noticing a slight drop in power in 3rd and 4th gear but nothing major. Turbo sounds like it is functioning ok (but I'm no expert). I gather it could be a clogged EGR valve or, worse, an expensive turbo problem. Any ideas anyone? Perhaps you've seen this before. I would just like an idea before I try to get something done about it.

 

[RGC]

Same thing happens to me since I cleaned the egr. power is ok tho just very smoky and faltery on cold start up.

 

[Powder Hound]

How are your glow plugs? How is the mechanical timing?

 

[RGC]

Haven't checked, should i do this?

This started happening after I have had the manifold of to clean it? cant see how this would cause any damage to anything so its got me stumped,

I will check timing and glow plugs and report back.

 

[concours]

Mine does the same thing, at 442,000 miles. I'm thinking low compression may be at fault...