-1 top cover bolt

[Kurtb]

interested in opinions as to whether I can
operate with one missing top cover bolt on
the left side for a while and avoid getting
sprayed with hydraulic oil while I get some
immediate chores done. Picture may not post on my phone but it is
on the left side of the top cover second
from the front. Both bolts on either side
are nice and tight.

 

[JMOR]

I wouldn't worry about it. It is the right side that has pressure tube between first two bolts.

 

[Tall T]

(quoted from post at 11:02:09 05/09/18) I wouldn't worry about it. It is the right side that has pressure tube between first two bolts.

One of the studs that mount my seat frame came out with the nut.
Seeing those thick rusty bits in the threaded hole fall into the sump made me glad I have a hydraulic filter. I put a new stud in the hole.

Tap a tapered wooden dowel into your open hole to keep the dirt out. I use broken drumsticks cut at the appropriate spot when I need a tapered plug.