Radiator cover TL3473

[Ben]

Ron, the board itself is TL3473 my early parts list doesn't have TL853SA could it be specific to a MK2?

The SA part I think is an sub assembly number. British parts books list a "SA" number then below brake down the assembly into each component part number.

Ben

[Lynn Eades]

Andrew, It is described as a "Blanking Board".I think it's main purpose is to stop the little sabastians from wrecking the fins of your radiator, when you let them climb in for a look.
Ron, not sure how it all ties up, but the board (as Ben already said ) by it's self was a TL3473.
I think your number refers to an assembly (mid war???) with the 3 rivets holding the dished washer in the board. The later Canadian parts list still lists the TL3473, but says not to demand it, rather order the CTL242A as a complete assembly, which was then replaced by a CO1UC 105115A then a CO1UC 105115B.
I think the difference is in fine detail as they all seem to be interchangeable between all models.

[Jordan Baker]

The blanking board was used to cover over tr radiator during cold weather. Same idea as a radiator cover on trucks in tue winter. Helps to get the engine up to running temps quicker.

Does nothing to help lessen the fan noise. Only way to do that is shut the engine off.

As for where it is stored I seem to remember seeing something saying it was stored behind the gunners seat back. It fits really well there and doesn't move around at all.

[Michael R.]

Stowage location of the cold weather blanking board depends on MK-I series or MK-I/MK-II upgrade and MK-II production. You would not be placing the blanking board behind a MK-II style gunner seat back.

As a result, there are slight differences in the board to accommodate a retaining bolt hole in one corner. That would allow the MK-II* board to be stowed along the lower hull left sidewall at the gunner left leg, similar to the BREN cleaning rod location on some of the MK-I/MK-I* series where equipped with a BREN. One of the left hand grip retention nuts is replaced with a CTL 14333 knurled knob, and the board is fitted on the stud and retained by the knob.

The blanking board compliments those additional efforts with the cold climate kit including the canvas engine cover opening, swinging deflector plate in the engine ventilator intake opening, and sliding rear lower engine cover panel.

[Andrew Rowe]

Hi guys , Thanks for the replies, they are a real help.

[Ron Pier]

Well done M.R. Ron

[Lynn Eades]

Just to add to this thread.
The hole in the div plate in my AOP MkIIIw is bigger than the earlier carriers. This might also account for variation in part numbers.
I Imagine this was a std. thing with the later (no air ducts) MkIIIs