From sheepfarmer, it sounds as though the LX is like the B2601: a manual stop between "on" and "stop" and count 1-2-3. If really cold, put the throttle at 1/2 and throttle back once smooth enough, and you might need more than 3 seconds (but likely not). Except for the manual stop, this is the same starting procedure I used on the 1983 Benz 240D we had for 25 years (it only ever took those 3 seconds of auto glow time). The 1973 Benz 220D had a manual stop for its really old, slow glow plugs.
Should not need to run the block heater for more than 20 minutes. Otherwise, you're pouring electrical energy into the heater and just releasing the heat through the radiator.