Big problem?, engine knocking... Options

[JFrost9]

Well its kind of an intricite problem... not only is my engine occasionally knocking, but when it goes to idle it dies on me, and i have trouble starting it back up... The oil should be good, its not too full or too empty, and was changed around 900 miles ago... The temp guage on my speedometer is past the H, and so im not driving it anymore, but i dont know what this problem is...or how to even diagnose it. I had smoke coming from the head for like 5 seconds, but it hasnt done it since... Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Josh Frost.

[JFrost9]

I think the knocking was in my head...Cuz it only occured when it died, which as im reading isnt too unordinary...and it wasnt really a knocking like you guys are accustomed to. So im not worried about that part... Im not too sure how to check the sensor, or where its located, its my understanding its by the EGR valve, but i dont know that the gas temp sensor is the same thing as the coolant temp sensor....I guess ill just take it to a shop cuz it doesnt seem to be something i can simply fix.