Bad glow plug???
If the problem goes away when you leave the glow igniter on that is a sure sign that the plug is going out.
It's hard to tell how long a plug will last. It depends on how many lean runs it's had as well as age. 5 gal seems like a pretty good life from one. Some of mine last much longer and some don't.
I'd change it and I'll bet your problem goes away.