X2 :eek:
It sounds to me as if one or more cylinders is running cold like a failed glow plug, but not knowing what sort of pre heat system it has I couldnt say for sure.
Low pressure would make it run lean or intermittent, over pressure would more than likely cause black smoke, white smoke is from unburned fuel.
Either that ir if it is a little blue then it could be valve stem seals or leaking guides.
It wouldnt be the first time that Ford has put dodgy guides in an engine :p
Edit:
Frome this thread:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130...ma-issues.html
ENGINE
The 2.4 is the best electronically controlled engine there has been in a Defender (not hard only had the td5 prior)
Engine knock: this should all be sorted by now. a few early engines developed a heavy knocking sound when started, which was attributed to a lubricating problem.
The tdci engine has oil cooling jets (also known as piston control jets) inside the engine block.
When the engine is running, these jets fire pressurised engine oil at the underside of the pistons and cylinder bores.
The oil flow from the jets is controlled by springs which on some engines didn't allow oil through until the oil had warmed up -which was a bit late, hence the knocking sound due to accelerated engine wear.
Land Rover didn't mess with this issue.
Affected engines were replaced and all subsequent units fitted with improved jet springs.
Could that possibly have something to do with it

