I turned on the heat in the truck today...instant coolant smell. I know what that means. The windshield has a light film on it too. Just great. Looks like I'll be getting a new heater core soon.

Here's the problem, I really won't be able to get it replaced until December most likely, and I'd kind of like to have heat. The smell goes away after 5-10 seconds, the outside of the heater core box is dry, the floor is dry, and the heat still works great. Can I keep using the heat so long as the truck doesn't lose coolant, leak on the carpet, or have a constant smell? I'll bypass it if I have to, but it's going to get chilly here soon.

 

It could go at anytime..then you will have coolent all in your cab. I would bypass it for now and fix it when you can. Heater cores are not expensive,the last one I bought was 20 bucks.

 

If you only need a *short term fix* then buy the bars leak tablets you crush into powder. Grind three of them up and put into the rad when its cold.


This will most likely get you by for a few months. Don't be fooled though.. this is not a permenate fix. Your heater core will only get worse.

 

I'm not going to trash the cooling system for this...I'll bypass it before I use any stop leak.

 

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The smell goes away after 5-10 seconds,

I doubt it is the core.If it was the smell would not go away.
Check the inlet hose around the valve .It will be in the engine bay and have a vacuume line going to it. It may be weeping when first turned on.