1998 explorer engine noise

I started the Explorer one morning recently,and as it started,there was a very loud poping sound that came from the engine.Immediately afterward,white smoke escaped from under the hood on the passenger side.Now,it sounds like a car that has no muffler,except the sound comes directly from under the hood.

I am not a mechanic and do not pretend to be,but I went to lift the hood and the hood release did not work.It had worked fine up until that point.I guess the one problem has nothing to do with the other,but they seem to have occured at the same time.

Also,the CHECK ENGINE light has been on recently.Last year,the check engine light came on,and then the timing chain took an untimely trip through the engine.That timing chain was replaced by Ford free of charge,along with the damge that resulted.The timing chain had not been recalled,but Ford told us that the timing chain was faulty,but just had not been recalled.

Any ideas on the recent problems?Thanks.

Problem solved.

A spark plug had worked itself loose somehow.Future son-in-law took care of that.

The hood finally opened.He said the springs were weak.

Ok.If he says so.