2001 4cyl won't turn over

I've got a 2001 4cyl tacoma that I just inherited from my Father-in-law. He's a mechanic, so I know the truck has been cared for.
About a month after I got it, I went to drive it, and the thing wouldn't turn over. It will crank, but never turn over. But... If i give it gas it'll turn over, only to die once i release my foot from the gas. Also, there is a white evaporative smoke that comes out of the tailpipe during the time it is running.
I've checked the alternator and pulleys on all the belts. Spark Plugs have been recently changed. Going to replace the fuel filter next. Is there anything else I should consider? Thanks in advance.

 

take the radiator cap off when cold and crank her over... if bubbles/coolant comes out you have a problem. Take a plug out and look at it... it is soaked with gas? If so you have a leaking injector. Both of these can cause white smoke out of the exhaust.

 

Thanks. I'll try that out when I get home tonight.

 

Wow what ever gave you the idea Mechanics keep after there vehicles??

The last thing you want to do after a long day wrenching is touch any of your own junk

 

Ha! He's a retired mechanic, so it's more a hobby than a job now.

 

I did the radiator check and no bubbles or radiator fluid came out when cranking the truckl.

 

OK. So I got my truck running! I have no idea what happened, but i ended up buying some starter fluid and spraying it in the Air filter. I tried starting right away, but it wouldn't turn over. After about 20 minutes of just "banging on stuff" i thought to try it again, and it fired up with a little hesitation. I revved the engine and it started to idle. There was white evaporative stuff coming out of the tail pipe, but i just let it go, and it eventually cleared up. So there you have it. I ended up buying some Iso-Heet injector and carb cleaner to add to my gas tank in-case there was buildup or moisture in the lines. Anyway, just wanted to report in and say thanks for all that made suggestions.