Missing something?

[collins_dan]

I was going around and tightening bolts, and noticed this bolt hole on the back right side of the engine under the carbs. Am I missing a bolt just under where the spark plugs wires pass? Thanks, Dan

[garyeanderson]

Hi Dan

I think you are referring to the rear sump dip stick hole (circled in yellow) that is not used in the Elan, I think that the Escort Twin cam had a rear sump and would be used in that application.

[collins_dan]

That is exactly what I was referring to. As you know, I had a couple of drive shaft bolts loosen up, resulting in a near disaster, so have been going over the car and finding lots of loose bolts . I saw this empty hole and since that is the only part of the engine where I lose oil, I thought something had gone missing. Thanks. Back to checking bolts. Dan

[memini55]

Hi Dan,

Your title leaves one open to lots of comments? Gary was kind and to the point.

So tell me about the cv bolts that came loose, I know the shafts that I use need to be checked after a few hundred miles.
We use a set in the autocross car and I regularly check these and set to a specified torque.

Mark

[collins_dan]

It was totally a function of me being stupid. The bolts were safety wired, which I never replaced after this winter's installation of new suspension and frame repair. I had intended to check torque and re-safety wire, but the weather got nice and the car was running great.... Your estimate of a few hundred miles before retightening is about right. Let's just say I heard the clunk and thought 'what was that', pulled into parking lot, did a quick check and decided to go around the parking lot before driving the last few miles home. The bolt head at tht point came far enough out to jam against the strut housing and lock up the wheel. Wife came, picked up daughter, dropped off more tools, took picture to use in the future in case I forgot the incident and drove off. I unjammed bolt, tightened back in and drove home without incident, but have been going around and retightening lots of loose nuts and bolts over the last few days. Will be re-safety wiring all outer driveshaft bolts this weekend. Dan