Bizarre problem - front engine mount bracket sheared!

[CJ 16v]

Went round to the shops today and as I let off the power to change gear, I felt and heard a big clunk from the front end every time!

Back to the house and a torch helped me see the front mount bracket is sheared off the engine.

The lump has fallen forward andis resting on its oil filter which is sitting on the cross member.

Anyone got any ideas why this happenned - are there other mounts gone?  They look ok but surely this bracket should never just shear off!

Really annoyed at the car - I had to fit a new starter last week, and the engine mount in question before that, and the bracket looked fine!

ARGH!

[AudiA8Quattro]

Did you put all the bolts back in when you done the starter motor? one of them goes through the bracket which is attached to the front mount.
Did you support the engine when you took out the starter motor? could of stressed the bracket.
Other than that don't know, could of been previously damaged, probably be able to get one from a scrappy easily enough.

[CJ 16v]

Unfortunately I didn't do the work myself - a mechanic mate did - I was too hungover.

We did jack up the lump but maybe it just didn't go back together right.

£35+vat from VW so it's ordered and I'll change the other 2 mounts as well - best be safe.

Most people i tell it too, including several mechanics can't believe ithappenned.

Gremlins!