I wouldn't be too concerned about the Standard 23C 4cyl diesel - they are an indirect-injection engine, which means they usually need a working pre-heater to help with starting, although in warmer climates these engines, if in good condition, start quite well. In colder weather compression, valve clearances and injection pump timing all need to be good. I grew up on a MF35 with a 23C diesel and it was usually unwilling to start up, but a small amount of petrol vapour down the air intake whilst cranking, starting was almost immediate! Once warmed up it was a lot happier, and would and often did run all day, and sometimes well into the night. I currently have a friend's 35 here, and it will start with no help at all, after only around 5 secs cranking. They are an engine which has a very smooth power delivery - I still believe our 35 was able to pull and maintain grip much more smoothly than our 3cyl Perkins-powered 135 diesel. Most times, as is still usually the case, we preferred the 135, but either would do what we needed done. Look after it - it's likely 60 years old now - and it will keep working with you.
