my 2001 transit van conked out and smoke came from the engine?

i was driving away as normal and i noticed some smoke coming from the bonet. i pulled over straight away and the van just conked out. i checked the oil and it was ok. i drained a small bit of water from the water filter and i tried starting it again. there was no more smoke but it was just chugging and would not kick in. its a 2001 high roof long wheel base transit van. i think its a 2.4 size engine. would any one have any suggestions what could be the problem

martin hannan
September 2009