Honda Repair: Fuel smell, charcoal canister, heater fan

Question
Bill,

I have a 1996 Honda Civic,1.6L Vtec.  A couple of weeks ago I changed the fuel filter because I would be travelling, and I thought it would be a good idea.  I travelled about 900 miles to my destination, where it has been rainy and damp.  Question is....  when I start my car there is a strong fuel smell (when the heater fan is on it is stronger, as it is blowing it into the passenger cabin)  it lasts about 10-30 seconds then all is back to normal.  It only does this at start up.  I checked the fuel filtre for leaks and it is fine.  The car runs fine and nothing has changed exceopt for the smell.  Any ideas?

Thanks,

John

Answer
John:
If when you fill your gas tank make sure you do not top the tank off. This can cause fuel to run back to the charcoal canister and cause a fuel smell. If that is not the case I would recheck your connections on the fuel filter and put new washers on the connections.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.
Bill