rebuilt engine and still have major oil leak between firewall and block

[Dwane]

I have my block and head checked for cracks because of an oil leak between the firewall and engine, I have replaced the valve cover gasket 3 times and the last time I used silicone on it and still have leak, I have replaced the oil pressure sensor 2 times and still have an oil leak, I have replaced the oil filter 3 times and still have an oil leak, I have separated the manifold, oil sensor and filter with paper bag duct taped to the block, pan and just under the manifold to try and isolate the issue, I have used florecent oil additive , black light and yellow glasses and can not see any cracks anywhere!. I am at my witts end here I hope someone can help. It seems to be comming somwhere from the transmission end of the block but it sprays oil on everything and in just 4 miles taking it up to 60mph I have oil on top of the right side of the manifold, the bottom on the manifold is completely coated and dripping with oil and the top paper bag was the wettest with the seperation but the oil still got on the oil filter a bit but not as bad as when seperated and I cannot rule out that it just dripped from the soaked paper bag above it. Has anyone else had this problem and found an issue? if so where? I hope someone here can help me out this is a rebuild for my 16 yr old daughter and She is chomping at the bit to get her car. Thanks

[Bert]

This doesn't strike me as a simple leak. Seems to be symptomatic of too much crankcase pressure and this appears to be forcing oil through (and out) wherever it can. Start looking for blocked vents on the engine.
And good luck with all this!

[bravekozak]

Was the valve cover tanked? If not, remove it and open it up for inspection.
It should look like this. If not, clean it and re-install. Be sure to check your PCV valve to make sure it rattles.

[Dwane]

the valve cover was not tanked but I took the shield off and used a wire brush and tooth brush and gas and cleaned it to look like that but thanks

[Festy46]

Did you replace the oil pressure sensor with the correct one for a Festiva? The oil pressure hole in the block is a metric pipe thread and not a standard 1/8" American NPT. An "American sensor" will screw into the hole, but it won't seal well. Make sure you have a metric pipe thread size sensor and wrap teflon tape around the threads before you install it.

Make sure the face of the oil filter flange doesn't have any scratches or nicks in it. Check that the oil filter gasket is contacting the flange when you screw on the filter and that it's not cross threaded. Coat the oil filter gasket with oil when you install it.

[htchbck]

You mentioned it sprays tons of oil while drive, have you tried cleaning everything up under the hood and just cranking the car and letting it sit still so you can watch under the hood while it is running? Sounds like either a pressure leak somewhere, or as Bert mentioned, a crankcase pressure issue. Bad rings or a damaged piston perhaps? Crank it up and take out the oil dipstick, put your thumb over the hole and see how much pressure builds up.

[shadetree]

Dizzy oring ? Pushing oil around ! Said top right side as in standing in front of car ?

[Fordverde]

+1 with shadetree, it happened to me once.... Also, try putting some Teflon tape to the oil press sensor threads.
May be your valve cover is wrapped... check it with a straight edge..

[WmWatt]

Does the car have a mechanical fuel pump (88-89)?