I start my Maxima in the garage which makes exhaust odors more noticeable. I notice a slight smell of gas in the garage after a cold start. No sign of a gas leak anywhere. The Nissan service manager says that this odor of gas is normal for EFI on cold start. Something to do with sensors signaling the need for more gas than necessary. Do the mechanics on this board agree?

 

Yep, the car should run rich on start.

To check, after the car has been at operating temp, return to your garage and close the door. You shouldn't smell gas. (but don't stay in there to long with the car running, CO is poisionous)

 

Thanks. Is it true that I can also check for a gas leak in the engine compartment by lifting the hood & turning the ignition key to the ' ON ' position ( without starting the car ) and smell for gas in the engine compartment ? And, if there is a gas leak in the engine compartment it should be able to be smelled on warm starts as well as cold start conditions ?

 

and can cause impotence

 

When your turn the key, they fuel pump will kick on before you start the car. (on cold days I turn the key wait a while and then start to give the pump time).

Depending on the size of the leak, you will smell it hot or cold.

You could also check gas milage to see if it is falling. (but also a lot of factors can affect that)

Fuel is under pressure, so a leak should be easy to spot. Start with the fuel rails above the injectors and follow the lines back.

 

Chances are you are just smelling a bit of unburned gas that is shot into your cylinders during the engine crank cycle. A gas leak would cause your check engine light to come on. (just like when you leave the gas cap off). Either that or you ate a late night snack at Taco Bell..