Missing Manifold Bolt

[adamsanders]

Over the past month or so my truck had started leaking a few drops of oil on the ground after driving it. It wasn't a lot but it hadn't previously leaked any so I wanted to at least track it down. It was dripping off of the starter, onto the exhaust, and then on to the ground. I know anything in the valley pan runs back and out the drain which lands it on the starter but my valley pan is *fairly* clean. I started looking around the valve cover areas and noticed quite a bit of oil but my real concern came when I seen I was missing the very back exhaust manifold bolt. My question is would the bolt missing here cause this much of an oil leak? I know that bolt needs replaced anyways and I'd say the gasket would need replaced too (probably wait til spring). But I really can't tell if its coming from the manifold, VC gasket, that pipe plug on the back of the head, or the HG itself. I had wiped the manifold off in this picture but it was wet with oil where the stain is right behind the flange. Any input is appreciated, Thanks

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[Thewespaul]

Your valve cover is leaking, the pipe plug is for coolant so that’s not your issue

 

[adamsanders]

Okay thanks, I figured that they may need replacing.

 

[icanfixall]

I too agree with valve cover gaskets are leaking. Might try tighteneing them but..Once they leak they seldom ever stop leaking.

 

[adamsanders]

Yea for sure, I’ll just go ahead and get a set and change them out the next decent weather weekend. Thanks guys.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

You'd have to be burning oil in huge amounts to have an oil leak out of an exhaust manifold.