has anyone heard of Cadillac piston rings contracting while in is freezing outside?

you don't say how many miles,high miles,most likely in need of spark plugs and wires,while having this done get an oil change,before trying to start reason (since you have been cranking engine and smell gas with no doubt you have raw gas sitting on top of crankcase) these vapors will foul your new plugs 70-90% so first sounds silly but this is the process: oil and filter(quality) plugs and wires, check battery for good charge, if it's over 100,000 miles replace serpentine belt. start yor engine!