Need help...97 dodge caravan...strong gas smell

[momof4]

OK, I need some help. I have noticed off and on for a while a strong gas smell upon ignition...now my caravan seems to be starting fine and running ok. It also seems to happen ONLY when started the FIRST TIME each day and seems to be coming from the exhaust. There is also a rumbling type sound under the hood when you start it first thing...gets really bad when you put it in gear but we are pretty sure it's the BELT which we keep having to replace (according to DH it's the belt making this noise) Any ideas on what might be causing such a strong odor of gas upon ignition...it isn't really inside the van...but if I open the window or door it is VERY OBVIOUS.

HELP

momof4

[acton mike]

do you mean a raw gasoline smell or is it exhaust gas you are smelling

[momof4]

a STRONG smell from the exhaust. My DH seems to think it might be the fuel injectors need replacing. I had him start it for me this morning and he smelled it and agreed it was a very strong smell coming from the exhaust.

momof4

[77Utiline]

There may be a "hidden" emission DTC or your O2 sensor might be "lazy".