In the process of rebuilding my starter, I broke one of the flat, black plastic plates that is present on each of the two contact bolts... I was putting the contacts back onto the bolts and even when I barely tightened the bolts, the black plastic thing just self destructed and broke into a bunch of little pieces. See the picture below



Is this piece entirely necessary? Does anyone have any idea what part number it is, or where I could find a new one in Orange County, CA on a weekend? Im down here doing this repair and need to get the vehicle running by tomorrow (sunday)

Any input is appreciated

 

My completely un-educated guess is that it insulates the contacts (and there for electricity) from the starter body. So yes probably important. (I think)

 

That's what I assumed too.. oh well guess its just going to have to be a rebuilt one.

 

When I got my contacts, the guy also re-built starters, I'd find an alternator/starter shop, and see if they have it first, instead of getting a crummy re-man one.