Blowing white smoke..Strong Gas odor

[cb4492]

Hi. I purchased a 1993 Explorer 4x4 with 80,00 miles a short while aho and all seemed well. I recenlty replaced the alternator and the thermostat. Thermostat was replaced about 2 weeks ago and I flushed the entire cooling system a few days ago. For the past few days it's been having a bit of trouble starting(takes about 5 seconds to finally turn over). Well today it started acting up rather badly with the same problems turning over but it also has a strong odor of gas coming from the engine and the exhaust along with white smoke bellowing out(especially when I floor the pedal). Nothing seems a miss with the fluids(Oil seems fine and on color, Coolant is nice and green and at level and transy fluid seems fine also). Would a stuck thermostat cause this or is this a bit more problematic then that? I'm going to go pick up a code reader tomorrow but wanted to see if someone might have some insight. Thanks.

Edit: Oil level is a bit high and the dipstick had a strong odor of gas. Gas mixing with oil, how? Will adjust to proper level tomorrow.

[mabulok]

A thermostat stuck open will cause the engine to run cool, which could cause poor gas mileage. I would suspect an ignition problem causing the incomplete fuel combustion, especially since you're having trouble starting. Could start by pulling the plugs and doing some investigative work there, (eg. plug color, carbon fouling, etc.). How's the timing sound when it does run? Smooth? Any missing going on? Maybe also try cleaning the MAF.