Hi,

As I was chasing a vacuum leak I found a seemingly important hole without a bolt? Is this be design?

The bottom hole is where the ground wires are attached - the hole above will assist in holding the Engine Together, could it hurt to add one there??????

Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment

All the engines I've had there was no bolt.

There would have been a bolt there from the factory.
Probably not a big deal if it is not there but putting a bolt there will do no harm.

Jim

None of the 5 engines I've owned had a bolt there and it always bugged me. The PET doesn't show one there either. I just installed a CSP carb linkage bracket which uses that hole, and the one below for mounts. It doesn't bug me anymore.

Also helpful if you want to suspend the rear of the engine from a crossbar when dropping the trans ....

I've seen some 914 don't have it, but buses do.
I have a bolt in hook for this spot, how I lift engines onto my engine stand with my shop crane.

The gathered white bundle of wire are grounds for your Fi systems of there are cracks in any of them I.d send it off to Jeff Bolwsby since yoi have it taken apart. Then..clean every contact point for electrical connections you have including the main ground strap.

You wont be sorry and won.t have to chase issues with your FI system ever again.

BTDT.

I believe the tophole without the bolt is used by the factory to put a hook through for transport in the factory.

Great advice - will do - wires are in good shape, a bit stiff but no cracks, etc.

Thanks Mark, I am engineering a small crane for my very small garage.

Just looking at a late 1.7 and it definitely has the bolt, the air cleaner stand is bolted to it.