Fuel/catalyst smell during cold start ups and heat shield

[TimGinCentralNJ]

So, within the last few months, my '08 EX has developed a slight smell of fuel mixed with catalyst converter at startup, most noticeably when the motor is cold. No idle issues and nothing obvious under the hood. Possibly a leaky fuel injector? Anyone?

Also what I have to assume is a heat shield has become loose, causing a pronounced rattle over bumps, and especially when making slow right turns (say in a parking lot, even when creeping along)....almost like the right front tire is rubbing against it during full lock. Again, nothing obvious from underneath, but figured I'd ask to see if anyone's run across either issue before.

Thanks in advance,
Tim

[netwreck94]

Could it be something as simple as normal fuel-rich cold starting conditions factored in with the Cat not really functioning until it's up to around 400*? However, I would imagine that if an injector was at fault with over-spraying that it would indeed smell worse at cold startup due to being open for a longer period of time. Have you noticed any real difference with MPG or rough idle?

[TimGinCentralNJ]

Could it be something as simple as normal fuel-rich cold starting conditions factored in with the Cat not really functioning until it's up to around 400*? However, I would imagine that if an injector was at fault with over-spraying that it would indeed smell worse at cold startup due to being open for a longer period of time. Have you noticed any real difference with MPG or rough idle?

Well, it's possible this is a function of a 5 year old cat (not sure what longevity they typically experience) under mormal startup conditions; however, since this behavior is relatively new, it's making me think something has changed.

Idle is smooth as butter. RPMs run at around 2k at cold start, and 850 or so when warm (both have always been the case). Fuel economy seems to be down by about 1MPG according to the computer, but I'm not sure that is significant enough in-and-of-itself to make me think there's a problem.

Thanks,
Tim