Car Juddering

[Swiper]

Hi, I have an L reg ford escort estate and this morning I started it up but it started juddering/ shaking. I don't know what it could be, i didn't dare drive it for fear of it breaking down. Can anyone help?

[Swiper]

Sorry, also i have just tried to drive it and there is a very strong smell of petrol.

[woodchopper]

Check it out for a broken fuel line.

[eyebrows]

it might have been cold or scared?

[Donquixote]

Does sound like fuel starvation...check the fuel line.
Also, the juddering is a classic sign of an older car being low on fuel, as the sediment accumulated at the bottom of the fuel tank over the years gets pumped up into the carburettor/injectors, causing judders/shakes.

[Swiper]

Thanks to everyone who answered. My car seems to be absolutley fine today hopefully it was just a one off. Incidently I had just filled the car right up with petrol, but it was still above the quarter line when I went to fill up.