battery just didn't have enough to turn the engine over

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The oil in the intake could be from the PCV. I feel that isn't the issue. What I need you to do is this. To me it sounds like the starter has gone bad. The loud bang is a concern, but without hearing it, I'm not sure of a cause.

With that, we need to check if the starter is getting power. Here is a link that shows how it is done. You will need a helper to complete this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If you could do that and let me know the results, it will help. Also, did you ever confirm where the smoke was coming from?

Let me know.

Joe

Hey Joe.
Thanks for your quick response. My son was finally able to get a day off to assist me. With him tapping starter while I turned the key we immediately discovered the source of the smoke. The starter itself was the cause. So gonna replace the starter. Just to rule out a seized engine. We push started it and it fired right up. Thanks again. Iam sure I'll be using this service again.
Kevin

Welcome back:

I had a feeling. Just make sure there was no damage done to the positive cable running to the starter. Since there was smoke, it was drawing a lot of amperage.

I don't know if you need this, but here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L VIN F
Procedures
Vehicle Starting and Charging Starting System Starter Motor Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to vehicle lifting..


pic 1

3. Disconnect the electrical connectors (3,4) from the starter.


pic 2

4. Remove the starter bolts.
5. Remove the starter.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE


pic 3

1. Install the starter.
2. Install the starter bolts.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten
Tighten the starter bolts to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).


pic 4

3. Connect the electrical connectors (4) to the starter.

Tighten
Tighten the battery terminal nut to 17 N.m (13 lb ft).

4. Connect the electrical connectors (3) to the starter.

Tighten
Tighten the S terminal nut to 3 N.m (27 lb in).

5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

_____________________________________

Take care and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe