Hello, Car is running fine as well as mileage. I've changed valve cover gasket(had small oil leak) and new plugs. No gas smell at fuel rail.
I was Thinking, may, be a leak from one of the fuel injectors that dripped in one of the cylinders when the car sits for a day or two and that caused the gas smell at initial start up. If the car sits for a few hours then no smell.
Does this sound like a possibility??
I was think about letting the car sit for a day or two, then pulling the plugs and smell each cylinder for a gas smell.....
What do you think??
Thank you much!!!!!!

 

There is a gas smell OUT the tailpipe at initial start up?

Could also be the fuel tank EVAP system gas fumes back flowing into the engine due to an open valve..

 

Correct, gas smell OUT the tailpipe only when the car sits for at least a day.
What about my fuel injector theory about leaking in the cylinder?
I need some details, please, diagnosing the EVAP system.
Thanks!!

 

Could be a leaking injector. Can do the let car sit and pull plugs route. If you still think its an injector depressurize the fuel rail and let the car sit. No fuel pressure means no fuel injector leakage. The rail might have a quick disconnect fuel fitting. If going this route remember the fuel system is pressured thus watch for this.

The EVAP system stores gas fumes from the tank in a charcoal canister. At certain times when driving a valve is opened allowing these fumes to be drawn into the engine. If the valve is leaking perhaps fumes can be drawn in over night. This issue may set a trouble code.

Suggest getting Haynes service manual to learn more about the fuel and EVAP systems.

 

Odors can travel in strange directions. If in rust belt are all the fuel lines intact.

 

Hello wdc123. No salt roads here. Definitely coming from tailpipe after the car sits for a couple of days and is started. No other gas smell around engine or car.

Hello Toyomoho. How to depressurize the fuel rail? I Think.. maybe pull the fuse to stop new pressure but how to relieve current pressure?
Sorry don't have a manual but I thought Q&A on this site would be better.
No Check Engine light. Car seems to run fine. Thanks for the EVAP explanation . Any links or advice on inspecting the EVAP system?

Thank you