Whats wrong with my car?

turnsoutIwas

I bought a 95 D Ford Escort a month ago. It was cheap-has high milage but has NCT until 03/09. It seems to be using way more petrol than i expected and there is often a smell of petrol in the car. I'm thinking that the revs are set too high- its an auto choke tho. The oil has stayed at the same level and the temp goes to the very start of "normal" and stays there. Just wondered if theres something obvious before I start putting any money into it.....any help much appreciated.

hawker

I'm far from an expert, but I recently had a similar problem with a car. It turned out that the fuel line was ruptured and needed replacing. Perhaps you could have someone look at that.

blackbox

There are a number of things that could be causing high fuel consumption, but the smell of petrol is worrying.

Take it to a competent mechanic ASAP before it goes on fire.

crosstownk

hawker wrote: »

I'm far from an expert, but I recently had a similar problem with a car. It turned out that the fuel line was ruptured and needed replacing. Perhaps you could have someone look at that.

Probably a good place to start. But get it seen to ASAP - if it is a leak and it gets worse, there is a chance that the petrol could drop onto something hot and result in a fire!

turnsoutIwas

Could be but i think there would be some sort of puddle where i park. Park in the same spot everyday and theres no patch. Also I'm no mechanic but the revs sound a little high to me.

turnsoutIwas

Right so. Cheers.

backboiler

Had similar a few years back with another car. Turned out to be the choke not cutting off because the little heating coil in it had broken. Thing was drinking petrol and would sometimes conk out going up a hill when moving slowly (in traffic or the like) and then wouldn't restart.
So make sure your automatic choke is cutting off when the engine has been running a while.

crosstownk

turnsoutIwas wrote: »

Could be but i think there would be some sort of puddle where i park. Park in the same spot everyday and theres no patch.

Not necessarily. The petrol may only leaking when the engine is running. Secondly, if the leak is slight the petrol may be simply evaporating. Even if a small amount was leaking onto the ground, it wouldn't be long before it evaported.

turnsoutIwas

Thanks backboiler: I feel that this is whats wrong but I'll get in touch with a mechanic and get it looked at anyway.
crosstownk: Thanks I hadnt thought of that. Looking like I have to get a mechanic to look at it anyway.

turnsoutIwas

Just in case anyone's interested: I had a tiny fuel leak but the mechanic fixed it in 2 mins for free. Also the thermostat is bust so the car never realises that the engine is warm so it keeps the revs up high the whole time.