"Hole" in my fan housing/timing cover?
 

Hey all, 86 300E, doing timing cover (hope that's where the oil's coming from), WP, pulleys, adjuster etc and noticed this opening in my timing cover. Can't imagine this is supposed to be left open, and what function would it serve? Can't find any photos of this.... probably will have to carve a plug? Waiting for info on this to reassemble the engine. Thanks

Looks it leads to the gap between the front cover and fan pulley bracket. If so, there’s no oil or coolant back there.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Curious why they'd put it there though? Maybe to visualize a water leak before it shows outside? Hmm, to make plug or not to, probably not.

Why so much oil everywhere? That is one greasy looking engine!

Certainly is, I'm hoping it's mostly the upper timing cover seal, which is on the list of things I'm currently doing. Only had the car a week btw... thanks