Diesel Smell from Engine

[v8volvo]

Originally Posted by ngoma

One time when I had persistent fuel odor yet no evidence of leaks it was the deteriorating injector fuel spill lines that were damp with fuel on their outer wrapping. No dripping leaks yet squeezing them released fuel like a sponge.

^^^ This would be my guess. Those little hoses can seep when they deteriorate, kind of like sweating fuel, not enough to drip anywhere visibly, but enough for the cloth braiding to hold some fuel and give off a smell especially on a warm engine.

If they are leaking a little, then they can also have the effect of allowing air to be pulled back into the top of the IP and let fuel siphon back to the tank when the engine is off, leading to a loss of prime in the pump that can result in extended cranking to start. If this is happening, then it can be especially pronounced when the fuel level in the tank is low and/or the car is parked facing uphill. So it might explain both of your problems.

When was the last time those injector overflow hoses were replaced?

Don't forget about the little cap on the #1 injector -- it can leak in this same way too.