Volkswagen Repair: gas smell inside recently acquired 96 Jetta, cowl area, air vent

Question
Re:'96 Jetta GL 2.0L gas/automatic/sedan/128,000km

First of all I want to thank the expert on this site who recommended re-booting my transmission computer--ignition on and gas pedal to the floor for 30 seconds. Even my local experts didn't know about this (or weren't about to tell me.) The car is now shifting very nicely (been a couple weeks and so far so good)and I saved myself $3500.00. Thanks again.
But I still have a gas smell inside the car when the fan is going. This is not something I'd tackle myself but I'd like to have an idea what it is before going back to these "experts" and handing them a blank check.
With thanks .....................greg

Answer
Hi Greg;
The vapor recirculation system is right by the outside air vent for the heater...etc.  My guess is that there is a hose in the wiper cowl area at the base for the windshield that is worn through.  Is the check engine light on?  If not, it should be, especially if there is a leak from this system.  This vapor system is called the EVAP system, and there is also another piece located near that space, down in the wheelwell, behind the fender liner, and that is the vapor canister, and the "N80" valve.  If you remove the fender liner, and the cowl cover, you can inspect the entire system all at once.  Hope this helps.