I have a 98 Taurus that seems to be leaking coolant under the car on the passenger side. I have also noticed "smoke" and a bad smell coming through the air vents. Have done some looking around and seems it might be my heater core. I have not noticed any coolant on the passenger floor board however. Its all be on the outside. So is it the core or a leak somewhere else maybe?

If it is the core i was wondering if i would put my bypass in place till i have the time to replace the core. what i have read about it said i have to take the dash off and it take all day. Its summer and i don't need the heat right now so was hoping i could do a bypass as a short term fix. Thoughts or how to on this?

What about one of the LeakStop products?

 

It can usually be bypassed with a piece of 1/2 in. copper tubing.
As you know stop leak is like a band aid, sometimes it becomes a permanent band aid.
It might work to plug the leak, but it will also leave the door open for plugging things you would not want to have plugged.

 

also keep in mind, altho it's summer you may at times need to use the defroster during a rainstorm, or a humid morning. with no coolant to the core your defroster function will be adversly effected.

 

Check the coolant recovery bottle. We have had to replace all of the reservoirs on the Taurus vehicles we have.