I have a 1600 zetec escort mk 6. its been struggling to start and when it gets goin, has little power, then power comes and goes. its been using quite a bit of fuel and smells rich. i suspect o2/lambda sensor failure as voltage at the injectors is also low (around 0.5-1v). can anyone shed any light before i spend any money!!!!

 

Might be misfiring quite badly mate so coil and/or dodgy leads or plugs could be the cause which can then lead to your cat breaking up thus smelling rich.

 

it has new plugs and leads and coil pack is off my old escort which i replaced 2 months before the floor went through on it(typical escort) so all are fine! disconnected the exhaust at the cat an that looks ok too! i just found a sensor on ebay for Ł15 so will give it a go if its no better then its not mega money wasted! thanks for your reply!

 

maf sensor could be at fault.

 

Yep that too mate (MAF). Even if an O2 sensor pegs it engine still runs pretty normal mate unless they've taken the cat out with it. MAF would be next port of call I reckon.

 

MAF is also of my old escort, that ran like new, that was same engine and same year so no difference in parts! i have the original maf off this car so will change it back an see if there is any difference! cheers guys!

 

have you tryed cleaning the idle speed control valve? also try shaking the exhaust and listen for ratteling round the cat area, if it sounds like a stone is stuk in it the cat will be fooked.also could be a vacume pipe

 

the idle control valve was my first thought as it went on my last escort! ran the car with it disconnected and revs were all over the place, when i reconnected it, the revs stabilised! also checked the cat an thats fine! all vac pipes ok too! sensor should be delivered early this week so fingers crossed!!!!!