Exhaust/engine problems on my 1997 Freelander 2litre Diesel

Hi everyone. Really hoping for some help. I bought my diesel Freelander last year from a garage and have been absolutely delighted with it, even although there have been some minor problems. Recently though it plays up when I try to start it after being left out overnight. It really struggles to fire up and it takes about 15 seconds for it to engage, but when it does the car is consumed by black exhaust fumes pouring out of the rear of the exhaust and also it appears to pour from the engine hood as well. Once I start driving the fumes die down. So long as the car is only left for a few hours it starts up ok without these problems but anymore than that then I'm in trouble!! Does any kind person reading this have any ideas as to what the problem could be?
Oh another thing, the back window suddenly goes down for no reason - usually I'm remotely locking the car when this happens. Also last night, within five minutes of locking the car the alarm sudenly and inexplicably went off.

It's cold at the moment, so starting problems often get noticed first this time of year. I'm not good at engine diagnoistocs so I will leave that to someone else, 'cos I just blame the battery (even if it can turn the engine for 15 secs!!!!)

If you have been cranking the engine for a while then the exhaust will be smokey as every time the engine turns fuel is put through the system - though this is usually grey/white rather than black.

To test the exhaust, put a rag over the end of the pipe and listen for fumes blowing out of a gap.

Cheers

Blippie

Thank you for your helpful reply. Took car to Kwikfit and they tested the battery. It's great, no probs. Guy suggested it was the glow plugs. That seesm a likely probability so gonna let them change the plugs for £56. If I could do it myself I would coz they only cost £14 for a set on-line!

Ask for the old glowplugs back.

The reason I suggest this, is that chaging three of the glowplugs is easy. If I can do it, you can.

However, the fourth is a bugger. And frankly £56 is a bargin because the tricky last one makes for an annoying job. (IMO)

"PInk Destiny"?

Cheers

Blippie

The F.I.P has probably got to come off, thats why I'm running with one "duff" glow plug.

the pump does need to come off so they will probabaly only change 3. still that might fix it? the pump timing on these is seperate from the valve timing and if its very slightly out that can cause poor starting but yours is only inthe cold so glowpugs might be the best bet.
The window comes down if you hold the button down ,when you are unlocking ,for more than 15 seconds. It might work when you lock it as well but i dont know. Its so you can get your shopping in when someone parks too close.

had the same problem with mine last winter in newzealand three new
glow plugs solved the problem

The window also comes down if the battery is reconected having been disconnected. Possibly there is some sort of electrical glitch whilst locking? Probably a LR specialist withTestbook would be the best bet for diagnosing
that.

Cheers

Blippie

Hi, thank you all so much for your valuable advice - and free too! Put car into local Kwikfit this morning and it's gone from needing glowplugs to needing front exhaust pipe, a full service and 2 new tyres! Getting stung for £415. They'd quoted £650 when they rang with the bad news but I'm not as blonde as I look - got them down to £415.
Ok, go on, tell me they saw me coming!