I started the 4Runner (it had a hard time turning over) up this morning and it was a lot louder than usual. It almost sounded like a pile of rustling leaves coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment. When I got back to my place, I opened the hood and had the girlfriend step on the gas a few times. Suddenly, white smoke started pouring out of the bottom on the engine. (see photo). The smoke was coming from a little cylinder (in second photo, zoomed in view) I have been throwing PO171 codes for a month now. Now, the rig wont even turn over. Please help!

 

Oh...is that the starter?

 

that it is

 

My guess is the starter didn't retract and the "rustling leaves" sound was because it stayed hooked up with the flywheel until the starter burnt up.

 

From the sound of it, is the only thing that needs to be replaced is the starter?

 

yes at least pull it off and see how much damage there is to it

 

I doubt the flywheel is damaged, so yeah it'll probably end up just being the starter.

 

thats what i meant the stater gear is prolly smooth by now

 

Yeah, I'd be surprised if it has any teeth left (just like my neighbor, haha).