Recently picked up my 56 plate Zetec S TDCi and ive noticed that when its first started in the morning or after a period of time its appearing to idle rough, almost feels like a misfire. thers no warning lights. There is some whitish smoke but as this is at first start up im not sure if this is just condensation.

Any ideas?

I read that it could be a leaking injector seal? or maybe a blocked EGR valve?

Just looking for someone that's maybe had the same problem as this is my first ford, and my first diesel in a while.

cheers :)

White smoke indicates unburnt diesel exiting the exhaust.

oh really, I always though that un-burnt fuel was black in colour? but then again most of my experience is with turbo'd petrols. I'm just hoping its nothing too serious as the car runs sweet as a nut otherwise.

Nope, unburnt diesel is white smoke ! :)

If the car fires up ok when it's warm, check your glowplugs as you may find one isn't working.

Okay white= unburnt diesel... you learn something new everyday :) The car idles very rough as I said but I drive a couple of hundred yards to the giveway on my street and it idles fine, so that would ring true with a possible glow plug problem. I just hope its not injector related as ive had a look at the prices... not cheap :( cheers for the feedback so far guys, looks like im gonna have to allocate a few hours with the car on the driveway to have a closer look.

My fiesta (09 titanium 1.6tdci) has a similar issue. I've noticed it tends to happen when cold/wet outside, so I'm suspecting its just the ecu dumping more fuel in to get the engine up to temperature, and not all of it is burning.

I'm no mechanic though :(