Q400 Gushing smoke
 

Hey guys 'n' girls

Ok, i was doing a start up on a Q400 dash today and engine 2 started up normally, however, when engine 1 started it just poured out smoke and didnt rotate. I signalled to shut the engine down (or at least observe it) and then after a quick look through a manual the pilot tried again, smoke still coming out (gushing) but then seemed to ease off and then engine 1 started rotating normally. After removing chocks and moving aside i then realised further smoke coming from the under-carridge flap, once again i made the cap aware of this and then 10 mins later (engines still running) he waved and thumbs up and taxied away.
Can any one tell me please what could of caused this and some details about it just incase it ever comes up again?
The only reason im asking is that where i work we do not have dedicated engineers, check-in staff and meeting staff...we all do everything so i am sceptic on the topic
All information is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Wing Nut:ok: