losing about 2 cups of coolant/hr and there's a sputtering coming from the engine bay (passenger side) that's in synch with the RPMs. Is it even worth getting diagnosed? I can't think of what else it could be. The exhaust doesn't smell like coolant but there is some white smoke. The cabin will smell like coolant intermittently.

 

did you check the vecinity of the throttle heater? Small rubber tubings? The smell is normal if you have that much leak going through the vent.

 

Checked. Sputtering is coming from passenger side. Also, don't think the TB heater plate would sputter in synch with RPMs.

 

is the passenger floor board carpet wet?

 

nope...unfortunately

 

SES light and codes would be the logical place to start.

 

Take the oil cap off and check for yellowish oil on the cap and inside the tube..

Is it running ok? You can get a compression tester and check to see if you have a low cylinder on that side.

 

Definately sounds like it.
You can have a co2 test/block test done to be sure.
A clear tube that fits into the opening in the coolant tank. It has blue liquid in it.
If there is co2 in the cooling system (from blown head gasket ), the liquid turns yellow.
Checked mine a couple weeks ago, and it was good. Let it run about 10 minutes. Liquid stayed blue. Took if off, blew in the tube, and it turned yellow. Simple test, and cool idea.

 

No codes. No yellow stuff in the Oil Either. I will get it tested on Friday to confirm diagnosis.

 

Not to detract, where did you get this testing mechanism?