EXHAUST LEAK. Check where the down pipe connects to the manifold. Sometimes this is a "flexible" or "ball" type fitting. It can wear. Or something could be loose or...

As far as the gas smell, when the engine is cold the exhaust has gas in it, that is what the cat is there to clean up.

Mike

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra