White smoke that smells like fuel is unburned fuel. Too much fuel that burns creates black smoke. You might have an ignition problem. A 4 cylinder engine with one cylinder misfiring will be difficult to start. Have you looked at the spark plugs? Check the connections to the coils.

 

Oh ok that makes since. We just put plugs in it over the summer. But I will grab a spark tester to make sure the coils are working. Thank you. Never thought of that

 

Which brand of plugs??

 

If it's misfiring that badly, it should be throwing misfire codes.

 

I dont remember the plugs. Is there specific ones the engines like?

I agree. It should throw a misfire code. But it's not. But once you get it started it does run like a misfire for the first 30 seconds or so. Until the smoke clears.

 

AC Delco iridium 41-103 for the 2.2 and 2.4

 

If there is no P030X there is no misfire.

Yes, there is a specific plug for the engine.

Have you done a compression and leakdown test?

What is the MPG?

How do you know it is not coolant or oil? There is only 3 possibilities.

 

Ok I looked at the plugs what are in it and she bought bosch double platinum. Did a spark test on the coil packs and all fire.

I had a mechanic buddy said it could be a coolant temp sensor putting it in a like choke mode. I have no clue. So I tried it and didnt work.

Put a new throttle body on it thinking it was the throttle positioning sensor. No luck.

The engine just smells out the exhaust like its flooded once it starts. Her dash says average mpg is 26.
I have not done a compression test yet.

 

It may be flooded. Your injectors may be leaking fuel into the cylinders overnight, flooding the engine. Putting the pedal to the floor while cranking puts it in "clear flood" mode, shutting off the injectors and allowing the flood to clear and the engine to start.

It starts easier later in the day because the injectors haven't had time to leak very much fuel, between starts.

 

I do have a set of nee injectors in the back of my car for it.

But I can start the engine let it run to clear all the fuel out of the cylinder and fun smooth. But if I dont let it heat up it will do the same thing. You have to let it run at least 5 min the be able to start normal.