Cracked insulator plastic HOT?

[Mame4All]

When I was taking my HOT out my chassis to check it for short I noticed the insulator pad that goes between it and the heat shield was cracked I thought nothing of it at the time as I thought it was just pressed against the heat shield for cooling so I powered it up and there's loads of sparks coming from the HOT. Is this just due to the crack and nothing to worry about?
If so I'll just cut a thin piece of Plexiglass / perspex for replacment.Mame4All2014-08-27 11:52:39

 

[Bods]

you need to replace it

It should insulate from the metal but still work as heatsink for the HOT, if your monitor isn't working that won't help at all

 

[Bods]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-TO220-Silicone-impregnated-Transistor-Regulator-insulation-kit-M3-screw-nut-/300740937114?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item46058e859a

Need something like that.

So it still conducts heat

Some don't have anything, if the metal heatsink isn't connected to the chassis negative side

 

[Mame4All]

OK bods. Reckon my HOT will have survived that tramour? Haha. I'll order the kit u linked

 

[Mame4All]

Should i use some CPU TIM on it also?