before i spend a lot of money
 

I have a 92 protege 1.8 and it is burning oil like no ones business. I think its the valve guide seals. I need some advice or ideas before i get those and that is not what it is. Thanks

You will need to do a wet/dry compression test to be sure.

a wet or dry, what is that exactly?

Remove the spark plugs. connect a compression gauge and write down the readings. Squirt maybe a tablespoon of oil into the cylinders and run the compression test again. If little or no change in readings the rings should be ok. If there is a significant difference then it will need rings.

Oh ok gotcha. I will have to do that. how much are rings typically

It will need an overhaul if it needs rings. Typically an overhaul will run $2500 to $3500

if it needs rings/ rebuilt just get another used engine it would be cheaper