Beowulf

Started my 8 today had a rough start with white smoke coming out smell of gas was strong. It felt like it wanted to give out, i applied slight gas for it not to. While trying to prevent it from stopping the CEL flashed and went away. I'm thinking misfire a buddy said it could have flooded, any ideas what it could be???

CaymanRotary

Did the white smoke go away? If it doesn’t go away and the smoke has that “sweet” coolant smell, could be a big problem. Is your ignition system healthy?

Beowulf

Smoke was gone with in 30 sec if that. Drives fine i feal no change. Stopped at the wal mart and when got back in the car she started just fine with no smoke or issues or CEL. Now i got my buddy right next to me saying told you so told you so. Even if hes right i want to be 100% sure, hes a honda guy and doesn't know rotorys. Ive never had a problem with starting the car ever but she has been sitting in the driveway for about a week and a half.

CaymanRotary

it still could be a coolant seal failure if this happens every time you let the car sit overnight. Your symptoms sound like coolant seal failure.

Beowulf

This is the first time this has ever happened ill check again tomorrow and see if there are similar symptoms. Any way to be able to tell now if its that?

UnknownJinX

Any cold car will have a strong gas smell since your catalytic converter(if you still have it) is not working yet.

As for the smoke, it depends on how thick it is. If it has a more steamy consistency to it, like when you boil water or cook something it's nothing to worry about; that's just condensation. If it's more like a thicker smoke like the clouds you see in the sky, that can indicate a coolant leaking issue for sure.

If you are really concerned, you could get your battery load tested to see if it's still strong, or you could have a parasitic draw somewhere.

Beowulf

I popped the hood last night and found that one of the battery terminals was broke in half and barely making connection. I replaced the terminal and went to bed. Woke up today started the car with no thick smoke or any rough start. Still keeping an eye on the car tho will update if any thing else comes up.

CaymanRotary

This makes sense now. You probably flooded it because the battery wasnt powering the ignition system enough to start it. Good news all around.