Posted for "George/Shirley Shattuck" <kloop@plantationcable.net>:

Ed,

I have the exact same system as yours and occasionally the same thing
happens; prior to start the boost pump sounds like it is cavitating and I
get no fuel flow rise, just maybe a wiggle.  I will crank the engine around
a bit, try again and will get a normal fuel flow rise and the sound of the
fuel system pressurizing.  I don't know why it happens, I've done nothing
about it and I don't intend to.

As to your fuel smell during takeoff, I would not like that and I would do
something about it.  Again my system is like yours except my header tank
vent exits the bottom of the fuselage at the aft end of the nose gear door.
I have never detected any fuel aroma during takeoff and I suspect that if I
do get any fuel sloshing out the vent during rotation/climb it is all blown
aft and away.

George Shattuck
N320GS