Hi I have 2001 forester with 184k miles.

 

I am getting a real strong gas smell at startup usually only on cold mornings. Goes away after driving for 30 minutes or so. doesn't come back the rest of the day upon startup

 

any ideas??

You may have an exhaust leak. On cold mornings the ECU will increase the amount of fuel that gets injected into the engine, until the engine reaches a certain temperature. What you are probably smelling is the unburnt gas that's coming out of the exhaust.

open loop shouldn't be that bad, imo. I've read about the fuel lines getting loose in cold weather and allowing some fuel leakage but maybe that was on older carbed engines.

open loop shouldn't be that bad, imo. I've read about the fuel lines getting loose in cold weather and allowing some fuel leakage but maybe that was on older carbed engines.

 

actually it can be that bad. Last winter I had crack in my header and I could easly smell the richer fuel mixture at start-up. The smell would go away after the engined warmed up some.

it's worse if you have to back up in the morining to turn around. as you drive through your exhaust the defrost sucks it right in.

 

i usually open left or right side windows for a few seconds to change the air once i get moving.

Check your fuel lines where the metal line jumps over to the engine. There is a rubber fuel line connection. Our MY01 Outback had a loose hose clamp that only leaked when the outdoor temperature was low. It was only leaking when the engine was cold and running. Once it warmed up the engine compartment it stopped.

 

It only took a 1/4 to 1/2 twist of a phillips to stop the leak.

+1...we had about 3 or 4 of these the other day at work with the temps getting ever colder.....on the p/s or d/s you can kind of see the line between the two intake runners....thats the most common spot they leak, but of course do a visual of the whole system if you can...a little tricky to get to but replacing the hose between the runners( if that is truely the source of seepage) shouldnt take more than about 20-30 min....good luck.. OH, also you can try tightening the clamps but from what ive seen and heard usually you will have to replace the line.....