So it's losing a bit of oil at 287,000 miles. What more can you expect
from a beater like that? And a quart in 8,000 miles is not really all
that bad. I suggest replacing that powerplant with a 1.6LX carbureted
Zetec engine from a 97 Escort. Check with Steve who posts here on his
engine.

Try using a patch or nicorette gum

Just stuff the exhaust with gum or stick the patch on it

Howbout if its not running, are you sure its not smoking a little bit ??????
Smell at the exhaust and report back