New to Diesel- 6.0 cold weather question/problem

[03diesel]

Ok, so, I am fairly new to diesel. I have an '03 F-250 with the 6.0 which I love, but I have been experiencing some hard-starting issues as the weather gets colder. For all I know it could just be typical, but I'd like to do what I can to relieve it or fix it if need be.

I purchased the truck about 7 months ago with the only known performance modifications being the typical intake/exhaust combo.

I typically leave for work about 0515hrs and as the cold weather moves in for the season, I have been been experiencing the following-
- Extremely rough idle upon start up, takes a while to get to normal
- about 15- 30 seconds of alot this white/light gray smoke

Due to the fact that I have to park a ways from the house, plugging in at night is not an option really. I do plan on an additive formulated for cold weather to help though hopefully.

So, my question is-

Is this typical? Or does it appea I may have a problem on my hands?

Also, is there anything I can do to help with combat the cold?

Thanks

[southend]

First you need a monitor........Write Up: Monitoring the 6.0L PSD.
It shouldn't be that bad, what are the temps? What oil and filters are you running?
You should load test your batteries, and preform the ficm check procedure.

Sent from my phone that somebody didn't help me get.

[coalburner03]

I would like to add that it sounds like a typical case of stiction to me. What kind of oil are you running I would recommend rotella t6 5w-40 and motorcraft filters also some rev x or hotshot secret wouldnt hurt it a bit.

[Pistolgrip426]

depending on how cold your climate is,try titan pan heaters,they have a 12 volt, low wattage oil pan heater,will keep oil at 140*F overnite. controlled by a thermostat,about $100