Engine cutting out - help needed!!!

[puddleduck]

HELP - When cold starting my 1990 2.4 smokes like hell (garage door now has nice black marks on it), no smoke whilst driving or lack of power. Very occasionally the engine just cuts out whilst driving without giving any warning. I then have a problem starting it, although after pumping the fuel through the filter manually as there is no pressure in the filter it will then fire until the next time this happens. Has anyone any idea what is causing this as it has happened again and as I have to use the motorway daily I am really worried about using it.

[rich]

Check the water trap at the bottom of the fuel filter. It sounds like moisture is getting in the fuel.

Rich.