Ford Repair: Possible blown head gasket, blown head gasket, cougar v6

Question
My 1993 Cougar V6 3.8 engine is getting very hot (almost overheating) and then goes back down to almost normal.Sometimes it stays hot.The radiator loses about half of its fluid every 4 days.I changed the thermostat and also took the radiator out and checked its flow which was normal.Also,the cars bucks as if it is not getting enough gas.I changed the fuel pump and no help.I do not see any fluid on the ground and I don't believe that the heater core is bad.I think that the antifreeze is being burned off in the engine because I always add fluid.I do not see white smoke in the exaust and I do not see any small bubbles in the radiator flow.Could the head gasket be blown?I know these engines are known for it.Car has 80,000 miles. PLEASE HELP! I AM DYIN OVER HERE!

Thank you in advance,
David from Garfield,NJ

Answer
David-

  I don't know...that just doesn't sound like a blown head gasket to me.  Have you checked your spark plugs for fouling?  I'd also recommend checking the oil.  If it looks sort of a milky brown color then that'd be a good sign of a blown gasket.  But losing half of your coolant in 4 days without any exhaust smoke makes me wonder if it's a gasket problem.  You might check for leaks on or around the block...freeze plugs, all radiator lines, water pump, etc.  Yes, the 3.8Ls are known for blown gaskets, but more in the newer cars than the 80's models.  As for the stutter at light throttle, that could be something as simple as a vacuum leak.  I wouldn't completely rule out a blown gasket, but you're missing one key element so it's hard to say.  Hope this helps.

Steve