Intermitent Starting Prob

[Auntie's Bloke]

Hi Everyone, hope someone can help-
I've had a '54' reg 350 (125 ps) 2.0 ltr TDCi FWD.

On 2 occassions in the last 6 weeks it's had a starting problem

The problem is:
On starting it runs rough for 2-3 seconds then cuts out (as if run out of fuel) with a large puff of smoke (grey) from the exhaust, if you try to press the throttle to bring the revs up this makes it do the same. If you keep trying to start it will do the same each time until eventually after loads of trys it will start and run normally.
This has only happened twice in the last 6 weeks, once before and once after a service by Ford (so all filters etc have been changed-I hope!) but I'm a bit worried it may get worse.

Can anyone help

[MrMPuk]

I was talking to nighthawk about a very similar problem the other night and these are quotes from that conversation.

I hope it helps.

4 options spring to mind

updated calibration for the module for undershoot at start up

timing chain tensioner issue. needing the oil pressure to bring the tension right beause the tensioner's holding pawl is u/s

poor injector closing rates

cureently having issues with the tensioner, if it's not outstanding recall 5u018 it may possibly need a repair under TSB 13/2006

[Auntie's Bloke]

Many thanks for that, I asked Ford about that recall and according to their records mine was done in the past.
I'll print out your reply and use it to explain to a mechanic, thanks again.