Fuel Smell on Cold Starts

[renmike]

Hey all,

I've noticed that since it's been really cold this past week, when I go to start my car in the morning, there's a strong fuel odor until the car warms up. I've cleaned the IAC valve like so many times suggested to do. By reading the shop manual, if the 02 sensor is going out, it could cause a rich condition. Before I really start to investigate, has anyone experienced this problem and if so what did they do to fix it/diagnose it?

Thanks

[Axel Kain]

i sit actually a gas smell, or a rich running car smell?
if its actual gas smell, you may have a fuel system leak, or an evap leak (evaporitve emissions). check to be sure your gas cap is sealing properly.

[renmike]

Originally Posted by Axel Kain

i sit actually a gas smell, or a rich running car smell?
if its actual gas smell, you may have a fuel system leak, or an evap leak (evaporitve emissions). check to be sure your gas cap is sealing properly.

It smells like you're at the gas station pumping gas. I've checked the gas cap already, it looked fine. I just noticed it when it's been in the 20's in the mornings this past week; it is the only time it's done it. I just started it a few minutes ago (it's in the 50's today) and there was not a smell this time. I'm just not as familiar with gas engines (worked on diesels for a few years, used to that smell) when it comes to dealing with fuel systems.

Otherwise, the car runs fine. I checked the timing yesterday, it was at 5 degrees, bumped it to 10 per the service manual, and now most of my vibration while at a stop light in Drive has gone away. I did have some friends ride around with me, and they told me the ride in the back was kinda rough, so the next on my list is to get new struts/mounts for the back and as soon as I can get a new sway bar install that as well.