Mitsubishi Repair: HI, I PRESENTLY DRIVE A 95..., head gasket, combustion chamber

Question
HI, I PRESENTLY DRIVE A 95 MITSUBUSHI ESCLISPE, (RS MODEL). THE PROBLEM I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING IS THAT WHEN I START MY CAR ON SOME OCCASIONS, IT WON'T START. I WOULD TURN THE SWITCH AND ONLY THE OIL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE WILL STAY ON. I HAVE TO GIVE IT GAS FOR IT TO START THEN IT WOULD START. I CANT'T DETERMINE IF IT'S HAPPENING WHEN THE CAR IS COLD OR HOT. WHEN I GO TO WORK IN AM IT WOULD DO IT OR WHEN I OUT.
THE CAR RUNS REAL GOOD I AM TOLD, I BROUGHT IT TO A EXPERIENCE MECHANIC AND THEY PUT IT ON A MACHINE AND THEN CAN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG, ALSO I HAVE A LOT OF WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF TAIL PIPE ON SOME OCCASIONS. I WILL BE TRADING THE CAR IN AUGUST 04, TRYING TO GET CAR TO WHOLE UP TILL THEN NEED YOUR HELP! THANKS.

Answer
Tammie,
Excessive white smoke coming from the tailpipe can indicate anti-freeze leaking into the engine's combustion chamber.  This usually happens if the head gasket is not forming a good seal.  Your mechanic can verify this with a compression check test.  But if the white smoke typically only noticeble when your engine is cold, or on cold days, then it's normal.  

Your starting problem may be caused by a number of things.  Old spark plugs and spark plug wires, clogged air filter, clogged fuel filter, clogged PCV valve, dirty throttle body, clogged fuel injector, weak fuel pump, weak starter, or weak battery.  Most of these problem items can be fixed with a basic tune-up.  And regularly scheduled car maintenance can prevent future problems.  
Good luck!