97 Windstar using alot of gas

I have a 97 Windstar that just recently has used up alot of gasoline. I looked at the vacuum pipe (excuse me if I don't get the parts right). its the long pipe that extends from the round air filter to the front head I believe right next to where u put the oil in. I looked at the rubber hose that is attached to it and it is worn and full of oil debris. I cleaned it the best I could. If my wife would give me a day to work on it instead of driving it...... I might need to change the oil also. Anyway, she just put 15.00 dollars in it yesterday at 1.97 a gallon and went maybe 40 miles round trip or so, now it is on E. please help. can I fix this problem myself? thanks