Help identify missing transmission bolt

[NashBronco]

Anybody know the specs of this missing bolt and where I can get it?

 

[jwhit]

ford typicaly uses 5/16-18 bolts about 1/2 long for dust covers

 

[thegreatjustino]

Clean off the gunk and you'll see two more bolts on that side of the engine plate. Take one of the others out, take it with you to the hardware store, and buy another that matches.

All those three bolts do is hold the bottom of the plate to the bellhousing. Nothing special about them. Easily replaceable with common hardware.

 

[NashBronco]

Thegreatjustino, as you can see I have a leak coming from the transmission, I assumed that tightening up this bolt would possibly fix that leak. However, after reading your post I am thinking that may not fix it. Is it "normal" for transmission oil to be in the bell housing?

 

[sanndmann3]

Could be front seal on the transmission. have to remove engine or trans to get at it... bolt is just for plate between engine and trans. won't affect the leaking...

 

[NashBronco]

Thanks sandman, so much for an easy fix... I will put that bolt in but I am thinking the leak is going to have to wait till I replace the transmission.

 

[Nobody]

Thegreatjustino, as you can see I have a leak coming from the transmission, I assumed that tightening up this bolt would possibly fix that leak. However, after reading your post I am thinking that may not fix it. Is it "normal" for transmission oil to be in the bell housing?

That bolt does nothing, it's not the source of your leak, and its fine to run without it.

You likely have a rear main seal leak, probably valve cover leaks, and possibly intake manifold leak at the rear of the engine.

Basically you can keep running as is until you get sick of the oil dripping all over, then it's time to refresh the engine. When oil is leaking from everywhere it's a sign of excessive blow-by from worn rings. Occasionally it's from the PCV system not working properly.

 

[gnpenning]

Why do you think it is tranny fluid leaking?? Do you have to keep adding tranny fluid? If so have you checked your transfer case fluid?

Do you have to add motor oil?

 

[73azbronco]

Are you sure the bolt is missing? Having just sheared one off myself.... Curses small dewalt impact driver, who knew!!

 

[NashBronco]

Why do you think it is tranny fluid leaking?? Do you have to keep adding tranny fluid? If so have you checked your transfer case fluid?

Do you have to add motor oil?

I just got the bronco last week and filled up all the fluids so I don't know which one it may be coming from. I'll monitor it to see. Honestly I just assumed since it was coming from the bell housing it must be transmission fluid. However, that may be incorrect.

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, it really looks like normal grunge. As mentioned the bolt is just for the bell housing plate. If it was from the tranny input shaft ( a seal, and or a gasket) your clutch would be slipping. As a new owenr, I would fill, change, check a lot Especialy Brakes and safety stuff. I would pull al the wheels and check everything about the brakes first. Also get a Chiltons manual and read it and read it. I would drive on. Good luck

 

[NashBronco]

Hi, it really looks like normal grunge. As mentioned the bolt is just for the bell housing plate. If it was from the tranny input shaft ( a seal, and or a gasket) your clutch would be slipping. As a new owenr, I would fill, change, check a lot Especialy Brakes and safety stuff. I would pull al the wheels and check everything about the brakes first. Also get a Chiltons manual and read it and read it. I would drive on. Good luck

Thanks for all the input. For right now I'll get the bolt inserted and keep an eye on things. I really don't want to pull the motor or transmission right now.