Newbie here with a question -
Truck is a 1976 F-150 with 460 V8.......the main alternator mounting bolt, which screws into the engine block, has broken off (part of the bolt remains in the block).

The alternator is still retained by two bolts to a substantial steel bracket.....and is operating fine.
The question is.....the bracket seems more than substantial enough to hold the alternator and everything works OK.....does anybody think I need to have the bolt tapped out, removed, and replaced?
That is a PIA and would rather leave it alone.......what am I risking?

Thanks

 

Look at it this way...1/3 of the retaining system for your alternator is broken. If another one breaks, then you will have a failure that will do significant damage. With the one broken, additional strain is being placed on the other bolts and that increases your risk of that failure. I would drill, tap it, remove and replace it.