1997 850 transmission bolt missing

[snugani]

When replacing the torque mount on my brother's car, the bolt circled in red was removed for better access. When I went to put it back in, it felt like it wasn't tightening down all the way, like it was cross threaded, I tried many times but it never felt right.

It fell out when the car was started. How bad is it to keep driving with it missing? And does anyone know why it wasn't properly threading into the hole even after trying numerous times? Considering taking it to get tapped and putting a new bolt in, but I'm unsure of how critical this bolt is

[Sveedy]

I'm not sure from the picture, but that looks like an oil pan bolt. If so, and it didn't leak when the bolt fell out, then I think you could let it go for now. Otherwise it's a oil pan drop, at which point you could replace the lower o-rings etc and clean everything up at the same time.
You MIGHT be able to drill and tap it out with the pan in place, but you'd have to be careful that you don't end up cutting threads into the pan as well.

[scot850]

I don't think it is critical, but I don't honestly know. Chances are it is the steel bolt in aluminum casting issue. When you removed the bolt it stripped the threads as it came out.

I did think about suggesting drilling it and re-tapping to a larger size, but would suggest holding off until we understand what the bolt is for. Can you please take a couple of more pictures from slightly further away from the bolt to help us orientate where the bolt is for identification.

Neil.

[abscate]

Oil pan bolt. If it isn’t leaking oil, get it degreased with brake cleaner, three rinses, the use blue loctite to gently screw and hold thst bolt in place. Once a month , check your driveway/garage/parking spot at work for an oil spot

[snugani]

Thanks for the replies. So far no leaks, I'll order the bolt in my next fcp order and try putting it in for him