Gasoline smell on morning starting

[gnetwerker]

I have noticed more in the cold weather than I get a significant unburned gasoline smell when I start the car ('04 996 C4S) in the morning. It isn't too bad if I have the defroster/heater/fan off, but it is strong outside the car. With the defrost on, I get a strong scent in the car, which dissipates after 45-60 seconds, and doesn't come back.

I'm pretty sure it isn't the heater core, because it doesn't smell like antifreeze, and there isn't a residue on the windshield, and it's not exhaust. My 986 Boxster never did this, though I usually got a puff of blue smoke from the residual oil on the pistons burning off.

I searched the forum on this, and didn't really find anything, so thought I would throw it out there. Is this just something that goes along with the 996 (I've only had it about a year, and I was too excited when I got it to notice anything). Any ideas?

[logray]

This "smells" normal to me. My 996 smells like gas too on cold startup. I happen to like the smell.

If you want to talk about an overpowering gas smell, try standing outside my F150 on a cold startup...

I guess some off chances would be a leak in the fuel system somewhere, perhaps the gas tank wasn't sealed properly if it was accessed for repairs.

Are you starting it in a closed garage or something?

[wyovino]

Smells like victory!

[Nehmaiz]

I'm getting a strong smell from the left front wheel arch, very evident after a long drive.

we don't have cold weather here, any fuel lines pass through that area? the refill cap is on the right so don't know why the smell comes from the left wheel arch only...