will a missing opti mounting bolt lead to a front cover oil leak? I broke the upper passenger bolt into the block and am not sure if oil will make its way through the hole.

 

I believe the holes are blind, but oil could seep between the gasket and maybe get in the hole. I might be more apt to think that without one of the mounting bolts, the opti might be skewed enough to cause a leak at it's seal.

 

If the bolt is broken, extract the piece and replace the bolt. Anything less is a hack job.

 

Yes, do it the right way, man. Get into the habit of doing the job right the first time. "Hack" jobs (as injuneer said) don't work all that great on a lot of other system components. Get my drift? It's expensive, but a set like this will serve you over and over again, guaranteed:

http://www.amazon.com/Alden-4017P-4P.../dp/B00004Z2FC