Somehow I spaced out while putting my cam cover on. I left the front bolt on the intake side completely loose. I drove the car 50 miles. The gasket leaked like a mf. It left a good size puddle in the driveway, but not enough to show on the dipstick. My question is, do I just tighten it down and check for leaks? Get a new oem gasket and copper gaskets from the dealer, then try to clean the belt with a rag and brake clean? Get new gaskets and a new belt? My fat lazy *** says just drive it, but I need advice. I really don't know if, or how bad the belt got oiled, or how detrimental oil really is, if it gets on the belt.

 

If oil on the the belt affects the longevity of the belt, my old truck would go through belts every month!

I would be more bothered by the oil going everywhere on the engine / messing up the underside of the car and making a terrible mess. I would get a new gasket, clean the belt and call it good. Not just leave it the way it is though.. But I hate oil leaks with a passion so maybe my priorities are different than yours.

 

I replaced the gasket. While the valve cover was off I cleaned what I could, then I pulled the top timing cover. I put the valve cover on, without bolts. I liberally sprayed simple green on the belt and backing. I put the car in gear and pushed it to get to parts of the belt I couldn't reach. Then I hosed the crap out of it, before putting everything back together. It's clean now and should leak with an oem gasket.