Mitsubishi Repair: 98 mits eclipse spyder turbo, head gasket, mitsubishi dealership

Question
Out of nowhere my car started making this strange noise
as i accelerated. Then i look down and my temperature gauge is through the roof. I was a min away from home so i prayed I'd make it. I pull in to my spot turnoff the engine and all this smoke starts pouring out the hood. Later i check the oil. It doesn't seem to have water in it. This all happened with no warning. I don't get it what's wrong with my car?

Answer
Beth,
If the smoke you smelled had sort of a sweet smell to it, you were smelling boiling coolant.  Usually if your engine was running that hot (for even a few minutes), that's enough to blow or warp your head gasket.  This could happen if your water pump has failed and couldn't adequately cool off the engine.  Improper oil flow can also cause this problem.  Usually the first time you have your timing belt changed, your water pump should also be replaced.  Your timing belt should first been changed at 60,000 miles along with the water pump.  If you water pump was never changed, this could be the cause.

I would recommend you have your car brought to a mechanic to do a complete compression test and a leak-down test to see if your head gasket needs to be replaced.  I'd highly recommend you have a Mitsubishi dealership do this, because other mechanic I've come across have a very difficult time working on these types of engines and many time will screw something up.  The dealership is a little more expensive, but they back their work and should be able to fix it properly the first time.  Also, if they determing it is your water pump and need to replace that and/or your head gasket, pay a little extra and have the timing belts replaced as well.
Good luck!