Am I missing a bolt?

2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA
148,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
FONSECA.SARAH1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
So, recently I had an issue with the belt tensioner and idler pulley. The belt was slipping off. Caused vehicle to overheat and during that the coolant level sensor came out and coolant was everywhere. So, in the process of cleaning the engine bay area of all the coolant spray, I noticed this hole which has thread inside which seems kind of obvious then that there should be a bolt here? I believe this is the intake. This area is in between the alternator and ignition coils on the side of the drive belt on the side of the intake.

I don't know much about cars, but you've been very helpful in the past. I do have a repair manual and shop manual, but neither really answers my question. My engine bay doesn't look like any of the photos in the manuals and when I look for the bolt patterns in the manual it says there is either a 6 bolt, 9, or 10 bolt patten and none of them show bolts on the side.

I've thumbed through the entire manual looking for any diagram or photo that resembled the area and I did find one but again, the manual photo has the bolt/screw coming out and mine does not.

I don't have any leaking, other than the coolant that was everywhere. The area is wet in the photo because I sprayed engine cleaning foam all over and began scrubbing which is when I noticed the hole in question.

Please advise. Thanks in advance.

Pictures attached.
Dec 3, 2023 at 4:46 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
FONSECA.SARAH1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Pics didn't work the first time.
Dec 3, 2023 at 4:49 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,238 POSTS
You are okay there is no bolt that goes in there for this application. You can tell by the amount of dirt and rust in the threads there has been nothing in there from the factory.
Dec 4, 2023 at 3:25 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.