I've been noticing lately when I use my ribbon burner there is a fairly strong gas smell. I checked my connections and can't find a leak so I'm wondering if maybe the ribbon burner itself is leaking gas. Maybe in the head at the end opposite the slide? Anyone ever have or know of a ribbon burner that leaks, and how I could fix it?

I just saw this...if not already resolved....take a look at your other post about the economizer lever seeming to be loose (and I am trying to recall some of what we'd discussed when I visited)  Could the two be related?....quite possibly if the lever operated valve has lost an o-ring or other seal inside of it then that would cause a leak as well as the loose fitting of the parts.  Maybe try running some soapy water around to see if the gas leak is there.