I've had my S14 for about a month now, havent put more than 200 miles on it since then. Today, I go to start the car. The engine is cranking but not turning over. I give it a jump with my subaru, same problem... I had to give it gas while cranking in order to get it going. Well, when I do get it going, i immediatley see a noticeable white smoke coming from the exhaust. The car NEVER did this to any extent until today. I did remove the upper timing chain guide a couple of days ago to try and get rid of some rattle, but the rattle is still there (and has been since i bought it). This really came out of nowhere, its a '95 with 120k. I know the white smoke most likely indicates coolant. Could the head gasket go just like that? I'm also wondering if its something to do with the timing, possibly related to the belt rattle (?). I could really use some advice on how to diagnose this. I know its probably going to cost me. Im really disapointed right now, its such a clean, great looking car... seeing puffs of white smoke coming out the rear doesnt fit its image at all.

 

cheak the oil to see if it is milky or not , if so you have a head problem or a gaskit problem also the rattling is most likely the exhaust shield, its just before the cat.

 

I know the rattle is internal, it sounds like it is under the valve cover. The oil is not milky (yet), i only had it running for a few minutes after noticing this. Oh yeah, im also noticing a more potent smell of fuel. Im thinking of doing a compression test tommorow, what do you think? Thanks.

Mike