Expert: Sean Halliday - 9/2/2008

Question
I have a very peculiar situation. The colder it is, the better the performance. Once going about the starting is excellent until you stop for at least 3 hrs. If the weather is cold, there'll be no problem starting but if it is hot, it takes up to 3 or 4 times to get it cranked. Then there's a heavy gas smell...like a flooded carburator (in the older cars...best description I can give)

Answer
I assume your warranty is up?The gas smell is bad as its a fire hazard and needs looked at right away.Possibly the fuel pressure regulator or part of the fuel/intake unit.Could also be a fuel line.This engine uses high pressure fuel injection at 45psi,so any leak will cause the pressure to drop and make it hard to start.Idle the engine and look for visible signs of leakage before going any further.Remove the vacuum line from the regulator and see if it contains gas,if so, then your regulator is bad.