so i broke off the end of the tiiiiny bolt the starter bracket mounts to on the front of the starter and was wondering how important this bracket is? the car has started about 5 times without problem and the rest of the bolt and nut still do their job. i have heard it may cause problems during hot starts, has anybody heard of such issues?

Regards,

 

No its fine to run without it. Cant say I recall my car having the bracket if it did it got misplaced a long time ago. It is supposed to keep the starter aligned if one of the two main bolts came out of the starter.

 

its to support the front of the starter, sooner or later without it the aluminum starter housing area will crack and no more workie!