I was replacing my belt sunday when I notice that my header bolt closest to the radiator was backed out about 1/4" and I could spin the washer. I attempted to tighten it back up but no dice, it just spun and i pulled it out. in the wake of having some issues with my belt i set aside the bolt and couldnt find it after and neglected to look at it first.

how will this affect my jeep now?

when I get new headers how will I get a new bolt in?

 

you could blow out the header gasket...or have a vacuum leak from the manifold...but i wouldnt sweat it.

It sounds like you have some stripped threads..which you will need to heli-coil it it that is the case.