1990 Corolla problems please advise!!!

Hoping someone can help. Got a 90 Corolla from my sister, has a few problems. When I first got it it started but it would smoke really bad. It was a cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust with a really bad smell. Along with it also had a problem of shutting off while in gear, either drive or reverse but will not cut off while in neutral. But now I have a new problem. Car will not start at all. Bought a new battery and the car will not even click or do anything. Could someone please advise. The car is in excellent shape body and interior for a 15yr old car and only has 160k miles on it. I been told these cars can last up to 300k. Just holping I could make it last. Thanks in advance.

With the white smoke and all plus the constant stalling as indicated in your post, the engine head gasket may have blown. The engine may have siezed up. Check the color of the oil and coolent. Get a socket on the crackshaft and see if you can turn the engine. Disconnect the battery first.

If you say that you hear no click when you try to turn over the motor then if you hear nothing you may have an electrical issue.use a continuity tester to test if there is power getting to the starter if not take it to a garage.

Another possibilty is the points in the starter are stuck. If you can get to it tap "lightly" on the starter with a hammer. The operative word here is lightly.

No click means you are not activating your starter relay (which clicks). Check the relay and if it is good, then see if you are getting power to the relay. If not, then find out where the break in the circuit is (ignition switch, battery cable, etc.). Easiest solution is to make sure the battery terminals are tight.