Nissan Repair: 1998 Nissan Maxima GXE cold start problem, combustion chambers, nissan maxima

Question
I just purchased a 1998 Nissan Maxima GXE with 108K miles on it. It seemed to start fine until the first morning, I tried to start it and it attempts to start, squeals and dies. Finally I pushed the gas pedal all the way to floor and it started and poured white smoke out the exhaust. Once it has run and warmed up, it will start normally. But if it has sat for several hours, the same problem occurs, it will not start cold without pushing the throttle to the floor. I am taking it back to the dealer tomorrow and I would appreciate your advice.  Also I am unable to remove the dipstick to check the oil, this is a first for me. The dealer did fix a front seal oil leak and replaced the oil sending unit, but I am clueless as to why the dipstick is stuck. Can you please help me out. Thank You. Gary

Answer
Gary,

The cold start sending unit is probably bad since the car will start when full throttle is applied.  The dipstick could be sealed in place since the front seal was replaced.  If it were me I would ask the salesman to get a mechanic and show me that the dipstick works.  it seems suspicious to me.  White smoke is not a good sign since it is an indication of a headgasket leak.  If you look at the dipstick, when they get it out for you, examine it for a cream color that looks something like coffee with creamer added.  If this is the case the engine has water in the oil.  I would take them to the better business bureau if they did not correct the problem.  Now, if they replaced the timing cover seal along with the harmonic balancer seal it could be that the mechanic screwed up and there is a leak into the oil or the combustion chambers.