I just got a 1997 Ford Escort Wagon that was not running...mainly for a commuter as my F-150 drinks gas like it's going out of style.

It is burning oil, already have a catch can ready to install.

It had sat for a few months because the owner was told by a mechanic that the engine was blown and it needed to be replaced. I dunno what they were thinking. I checked the compression, good on all cylinders. It just burns oil, which I think is because the previous owner put in very heavy oil (I found a couple bottles of 15W-40). The gas was phase separated, so I drained it as much as I could, got 8 gallons out because my cheapo pump couldn't get anymore out. and I put in 5 of fresh gas. The fuel pump assembly lid had a hole in it, so I see how moisture got in, plus the gas cap wasn't sealing. It wouldn't idle, so I changed out the idle control valve which was stuck. Still won't idle.Changed out the MAF sensor, runs but doesn't idle. It knocks under 1000 RPMs and dies when it goes below 500. things have been getting better as I burn what I have.

I warmed it up by keeping the gas pressed down seeing if a hotter engine would help it burn any bad gas and idle. Nope.

When the engine cools down, I'll pull the fuel rail and check the injector spray

What else should I be looking at?

Attached is data I got from Torque and my OBDII reader.

 

If you depress the accelerator pedal some , does it smooth out and run OK?

Of so, there is a good sized vacuum leak..

The heavier oil will not make it burn oil, but worn piston rings can.

If the intake is not sealing as it should, it could be sucking in oil from there.

There is some concern regarding the knock you mentioned, and that may be why heavier oil was used.and why the suggestion the engine was in need of repair.