Escort 1.6 16v ztec burning fuel

[tcube]

My 2001 escort Finesse with 93000miles runs like the choke is on. It runs a bit low on power on hills and uses a lot of fuel. Took the plugs out and they were very black with soot. Unplugged the sensor on top of the airbox and it ran real bad so I guess that sensor works. Can't find an airleek. Not much smoke from the exhaust but it looks quite sooty. On the flat it goes fine and the tick over is smooth if occaisionaly a bit up and down. Car always fires up and is very reliable. Only get 50 miles from a tenner of petrol. Not had car long but engine is nice and clean and has no tappy noises and is generally in good nick.
Any help much appreciated. Thanks

 

[wotan]

Change the air filter, then clean the mass air flow meter, you should see an improvement.

Wotan

 

[tcube]

Thankyou. I'll give it a go and let you know

 

[^neo^]

when was it last serviced?

 

[tcube]

No idea when it was serviced. MOT was 3000 miles ago. Oil filter looks recent. Cleaned the wee sensors in the air intake by the air box and the car seems to run better. Too early to check fuel consumption.