My car is smoking, what is causing it and what should i do? is it safe to drive?

Question

2 days ago i had the oil changed in my 2003 Ford Escort Zx2. While i was there the techs said that i needed new spark plugs and a "S" belt. i couldn't afford what they wanted for doing these repairs so i purchased the parts and brought the car to my friends shop to fix it for me. after the parts were replaced the car started having major problems. the engine felt like it was going to jump out of my car and i couldn't drive over 30mph and my rpms were very high. so the very next day i took it to a mechanic who hooked my car to a computer thing and told me i needed a new Cam Sensor, Ignition Coil and also that 2 of the spark plug wires had become disconected. they completed all the repairs and my car seemed better. now today, the day after it was repaired by the mechanic, the engine is statting to feel jumpy again (though not as bad) and when it was idleing at the stop light white smelly smoke started coming out from under the hood. i called the mechanic but they were closed today.

I don't know if this information is neeed or not, but when the mechanic had my car hooked to the computer thing is printed 6 codes. they are: 300, 301, 304, 340, 352 and 381.

I'm not sure but i think the smoke might be coming from the radiator.

***PLEASE ONLY LEAVE AN ANSWER THAT IS HELPFUL TO MY SITUATION.
I DON'T NEED PEOPLE TELLING ME THAT I AM STUPID. THAT IS NOT HELP!!***
I COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY WHAT THE OIL CHANGE COMPANY WANTED FOR THE PARTS/LABOR SO I TOOK IT TO MY FRIENDS AUTO BODY SHOP (they know what they are doing, they have done it before!). Just because i took it to someone that i know doesn't make me stupid.
At least someone was trying to help me, unlike some of you with your "answers".

TO THOSE OF YOU LEAVE RUDE COMMENTS: in the future i would think twice before saying something RUDE to someone again because i reported you.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ACTUALLY TRIED TO HELP.
I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!!!

Answer 1

On the jumping part of the problem I would check the spark plug wires again and if they have come back loose, I would go buy new spark plug wires and replace them so that they would stay on the plugs the correct way. On the white smelly smoke I would start by looking around the oil filter to make sure that it was put on correctly and tight and not coming loose! Then I would look around the head covers to make sure the seal is not leaking around them. Other than that I don't know what the problem would be. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

first i would open the hood to see if its something major, like a big oil or coolant leak. then while your there look around and make sure you dont see anything thats looks just plain wrong

if you dont see anything major, like an oil or coolant leak, take it for a drive just around the block and make sure its warmed up, then pull the vehicle back in and look for where the smoke is coming from, it could be just burning off some spillage..... if it looks like oil is coming out then dont drive it until you can get it to a mechanic, if it is just a spill then drive it around and it will stop smoking. but i would deffinatly take it back to the mechanic on monday and have him recheck his work

Answer 3

From all that you have said I believe you will have to wait until Monday and have the mechanic look at it. by actually looking at it I could tell you more.

Answer 4

I hope you learned your lesson. To save a few bucks - look at the grief you're having. I suggest finding yourself a licensed mechanic, have some faith in him, and have the same tech work on your vehicle for all repairs. I deal with people like you everyday - and I smile when I hear it bites someone in the ***. Thanks!