Grid Heaters?
 

I am wondering if there is anyway to check the grid heaters in my 96'. my 93' first gen with 280k would crank up with just a few rotations with no problem in the cold ( i started it with no block heater in -12f) but the 96 seems to start harder than it should not being plugged in. crank and crank and it will finally chug to life smoking like a bastard. Maybe the grids are not working?

check the grid for any breaks or cracks and check the relays and all the wires make sure there not corroded or anything