Looked it up. Propane can burn two ways: w/ excess oxygen: C3H8 + 5 O2 -> 3 CO2 + 4 H2O + heat incomplete burning (insufficient oxygen): C3H8 + 3.5 O2 -> CO2 + CO + C + 4 H2O + heat
It is probably the C that is smelled. Not enough oxygen. Perhaps a regulator is out of adjustment, or crud is prevent sufficient oxygen from getting to the reaction.