White smoke from exhaust - 96

On occasions, white smoke comes out of the exhaust when van is started and the smell is aweful. Not sure how to describe it. What could be causing this?

White smoke is usually coolant. You smell that burning off when the car first starts. Not to alarm you but this could be a serious problem depending on where the leak is, e.g. intake manifold, head gasket etc. I would have a mechanic look at it asap. How is your coolant level? Do you have to top it off every now and then?

The head gasket may be bad....but the '96 is not as prone to head gasket failure as the '95....they made changes to the motor for '96.
The lower intake manifold gasket is more often a failure on the '96 for coolant into the cylinders....that is from what I have read.
You WILL want to correct the leak ASAP as this will cause major damage if left uncorrected.
You could also have coolant getting into the oil...which will also cause major damage to the engine.

If you have to add only a slight amount of coolant....you may be able to solve the problem with some Bars' Stop Leak. I keep some of that in my coolant all the time......and no longer have to add any coolant.
However my leakage was VERY slight. I would use ONLY Bar's. They have several types....and I have used the "Heavy Duty", "Liquid Aluminum", and another type.....all with success. I have used different types as I drain and refill my coolant each year. The stop leak will work for a seapage....but a major leak will require gasket replacement....whichever gasket is leaking.

thank you very much guys!