I have a 96 ford ranger. When I start the truck there is a sweet smelling, white smoke that comes from under the engine after a few minutes of idling. The temp gauge stays in the middle and the oil level is fine and it is clean. Could it be a simple matter of hoses or is it more serious? The check engine light has come on as well

 

You may have a coolant leak, while the engine is cold check the coolant level and pressure test the cooling system including the pressure cap.

You may get lucky and find the leak without the aid of a pressure tester. by topping off the coolant if needed and running the truck until you see water dripping or spraying.

If you find a leaking hose, make sure to check them all or replace them all even better.

 

Look at your heater hoses over the top of the engine where the T pieces are.

My plastic T pieces were breaking down and i had a small coolant leak right there running down the engine.

 

Thank you for the info. Will check this weekend

 

Thanks. Will take a gander.