Fuel smell

[cbrifly1]

I have a 1998 Chevy Venture with the 3.4L V6. The engine has 67000 miles on it and recently we have noticed a strong fuel smell. The smell is intermittent and has occured mostly at start-up and while idling for more than a few minutes. The weather is recently cold but the van is always parked in a garage. We have noticed the smell even on days after a fuel fill-up. We have taken the vehicle to our local Chevy dealer where they have told us that they have checked the fuel system with a "smoke test" and not detected any leaks. The vehicle has been to the dealer twice but they cannot replicate or sense any problem. Any thoughts on where the fuel smell is from?

One other additional problem, the transmission had to be rebuilt at 65,000 miles. The mechanic that fixed the transmission also works at a GM dealership and told us that this is common on these vans. How can I complain to GM and get reimbursement for the repair?

[rodeo02]

You will need to determine what area of the van the gasoline smell is coming from (front/middle/rear of van). I would suspect a fuel line leak somewhere or a possible fuel-rail leak on engine. A leak at the tank will bleed pressure from the gas tank, set an EVAP system code & illuminate the CEL. Sorry to hear about the tranny failure. Regardless of what the owners-manual says, you need to change out the ATF regularly on the 4T65E tranny. I would do it yearly (every 15Kmi) if you plan to keep the van forever. Do a tranny filter change every 40Kmi.
G/luck
Joel