Good post. And I agree. Check codes first when ever a problem arises, although blowing white smoke won't typically throw any codes.
Its because you're a newb.
See response below.
I'm definately not a newb. I didn't really think before I posted after I posted I remembered about the coolant and oil passages in the turbo. So don't say shit if you don't know me!
Good idea, but next time let the original poster know how to perform what you suggested.
Ok ok:
To the OP:
-Does the white smoke smell sweet, or does it smell like an old 2 stroke weed eater?
-Check the coolant. Is it off color? Does it smell like gas? Does it smell like exhaust? Is it milky? Do you have coolant pouring out the over flow bottle?
-Pull the accordion hose. Do you find large amounts of oil in the intake tract?
-Wiggle the turbo charger shaft. Does it wiggle from side to side or front to back more than .5 mm? Are all the fins in good shape, and accounted for on the compressor housing?
Perform these first. These are the easy tests. If you don't find any thing, we then start more complicated tests.