ecarbaat

Hello, I finally found another military ex MOD 109 24v built 1980 after selling my pride and joy a few years ago. Last week it arrived from Holland,, everything was working when it was put on a RORO ship over to the USA and when it arrived I was as happy as a tick. Of course I wanted to hear that 2.25 diesel engine run and take it for a spin so I jumped in and immediately saw that the ignition had been forced and is pretty much broken, still tried to start and of course it wouldn't, engine turned over but that was it, the batteries seemed almost out of juice as well. So I charged batteries and tried again, no luck. I had a bottle of "Easystart" left, tried it and within 1 second it ran and very good as well, I let it run for 15 minutes while inspecting some other stuff, still happy as a tick, noticed the fuel gauge not not working and the oil temp gauge reads high the moment the car starts running. Still not too worried left the car for the night and tried again in the morning, same problem, no start.... Used Easystart again and vrooom! (A lot of you all already are cursing for me for doing that). I let the engine run warm and afterwards started on and off during the day and it did so beautifully. I am not a mechanic but do have all the manuals and can read and follow instructions. The ignition contact and barrel assembly is obviously knackered (I can actually spin the "butterfly" around 360 degrees) but I can buy a new one. Could this cause the problem with the oil temp gauge and or fuel gauge since they were both working when leaving Holland? 2nd. Why won't it start when cold? I had this before with a Santana I had parked for a friend for a while, found out all it needed was a new and better battery. Also it seems around fuel filter there is some fuel leaking (air coming in the lines/pump and therefore hard to start??) Any hints tips and advice are so very welcome about what to do and where to start. Thank you ! VID-20210117-WA0005.mp4