Ford Escort Engine faults

[Cockney Guy]

I have a Ford Escort automatic which I need to warm up for about 10 to 15 minutes before putting it into drive, otherwise it stalls. Additionally, the car has a tendancy to rev up randomly. I have become very used to this and can sense when it is revving so I pull over, switch off and restart it, when it goes back to tickover. The car also has a high petrol consumption, about 20 mpg. There is often a strong smell of petrol.
Any ideas for a cure?
Regards Cockney Guy (London UK)

[cazzz1975]

sounds like the automatic choke isnt working

[furrycheeky]

Escort Autos are very prone to the stalling when engaging drive. There is a modification Ford can carry out, but as with most things requiring a gearbox removal its expensive.
Anything involving a smell of petrol should be looked at by a mechanic asap.

[Cockney Guy]

Thanks Guys for your assistance so far. Maybe time to dump it and buy something else. On another site, it was suggested that the air control element and air cleaner sytem might need cleaning. Now that the weather has brightened up a bit,I might get my hands dirty and give all your good advice a try.
Thanks to you all.