Idling stumbles like head gasket bad?

KRISTINEDELANEY

MEMBER
1993 MERCURY TRACER
1.9L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
141,000 MILES

When idling the engine stumbles as if the head gasket is bad. King says there's bubbles on the dip stick. I have not seen them. When traveling the engine does not stumble or miss but seems like it should have more power. We are opting to replace head gasket. It gets up to 70mph decently. I would not want to try to pass someone going 65 however without a mile and half to do so. I have not had the car long enough to know what normal is. Replaced the thermostat and changed the oil. Someone said it needs a head gasket. What say you? Thank you- Kristine Delaney

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,924 POSTS

Does the car overheat, or do you have milky looking oil? if not usually a head gasket will not make the engine stumble at freeway speeds. Here are guides to go over to help see what I am talking about:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

To me it sounds like you need a fuel filter which if it is clogged the engine will not have power at higher speeds and stumble. Here is another guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-hesitates

Please go over these guides and get back to us.