1st off I just want to say, I am a truck driver, and listen to your guys show every day. I love you guys. Keep up the good work. I have a 1990 Mazda miata when I got it I would have to leave the Ignition on for 10 minutes, before the car will actually start and when it does start it hesitates for the 1st few minutes while it’s running, and then it seems to run OK but the gas smell in the oil was strong. I have replaced the coil packs, plugs, wires ECU, feel pump, and check valve. None have seem to fix the problem. Would it be the throttle positioning sensor? And if it is the throttle positioning sensor why would the Ignition need to be on for 10 minutes before the car would actually start? PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOF HELP!!
Derick , I can’t help with your vehicle problem . But you are listening to reruns . Tom is no longer with us sadly . And I think the last show was in 2012 . Where are you hearing these every day ?
Hard start with a gas smell from the oil… leaking injector is my guess. That causes gas to seep into the oil and may cause a hydrolock and destroy your engine if left alone. The car is 30 years old, there are only 4 injectors, replace them.
You also seem to have an electrical problem as well. That 10 minute wait thing is strange. Check every battery cable for good clean resistance free connections. If the car has a start relay (likely) replace that as well. See if that fixes the issue.
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Locate the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail.
Remove the vacuum hose from the regulator, and if gas leaks out this connection the regulator is leaking and requires replacement.
Tester
If it is indeed one . . . or more . . . leaking injectors, this may damage the catalytic converter over time
Even if you replace the fuel injectors and the car has decent power, don’t be surprised if at your next smog inspection, you fail because the cat may not be in good enough shape anymore
If you live somewhere without emissions inspections, then some of what I said doesn’t apply to you
Continuing the discussion from Have to leave ignition on for 10 minutes before car starts:
Oh no im so sorry to hear that. Im shoked. I listen to them on podcast finder. I love listening to them. They bring laughter and knowledge to me even on the worst of days for me. Rest in piece. 
Thank you very much. I will replace the fuel injectors ASAP!
I have checked all my battery connections. There all good, clean and tight.
You said starter relay?