timing belt cover bolt

[FordPrefect]

I topped off with oil roughly a couple of months ago, and haven't driven it too much. I checked the oil today, and it's nearly empty!

Coincidentally, the lowest bolt for the timing belt cover is missing... and I know I tightened after my last road trip, the same time I checked the oil. Either the bolt rattled out (the bushing disappeared long ago) or I completely spaced out and forgot to replace it at some point.

So my question is, since that lowest bolt appears mighty close to the oil filter, might oil leak out through the hole? I didn't notice any new oil under the car, but I thought I'd ask.

While I have your attention, all you wonderful people, I wonder if you'd happen to know what length and size bolt I need to replace it? Any ideas on replacing the bushing?

Thanks!

[azruss]

you can put a tape measure on your belt cover and measure the thickness at the bolt hole. add 1/4 to 1/2" on that (dont forget to add for washer and lock. I think it is a 6mm (10mm socket). Lowe's sells sleeves of various sizes that would work or length could be modified. They also carry that size of metric. Without the sleeve it would be difficult to keep that bolt on the car. I dont think that bolt hole goes thru the block. If you dont have a huge lake of oil under the car, then i would rule that possibility out.

[beater]

Well since I have no belt cover, and subsequently no bolts, and my oil is fine, I'd have to say missing bolts would not result in an oil leak.

[FordPrefect]

That's good to know.

Thanks for the advice, guys.