HELP popping noise and smoke!!!

[Little Dragon]

Hey people.... I need some trouble shooting help... I'll give as much info as I can.

this happened twice so far in 3 days. While at idle (stopped - red light) with the clutch in, there is a popping noise... starts with that, then puffs of smoke and it seems to be coming from the front drivers side. if I press the throttle... the popping noise increases... and more smoke!!!

when I get back into gear and drive, its all good again.. (almost).... today after it happened and I started driving again and there were intermittent popping puffing noises... (kinda like a little blow off valve sound)

------ other notes to be considered,
1. the other day I noticed that the power steering fluid was low, I filled it up yesterday... it still looks fine today.

2. my temp sensor never seemed to work before, ... only now, today did I see it get up in temp.
------

Of course, I can't get the car to show me this problem when I'm under the hood... and I've looked for leaks anywhere and haven't yet noticed anything.

Any ideas?... please help.

1992 SHO MTX

 

[Redskull]

does it happen when you are idling in neutral, or just when idling in gear with the clutch in?

 

[qiksho]

This is a guess.... but I bet your waterpump is leaking on your cats causing the smoke, also not allowing you to see where your leak is. Since it will burn it dry. And once you are moving you no longer see the smoke.

The poping noise could be many things...