It controls the airflow through the engine compartment. The air is forced over the cylinders for cooling.

JNeteler

 

They're also very expensive! These are two side tins that I've just bought. Along with a few extra screws that I bought at the same time (I'm bound to need to replace some). This little lot came to £147!



And these are cheap compared to the three big tins.

 

that is extortionate for what it is nothing like cashing in on our allegiance is there....katch-iing !

 

..."what the market will bear": Sometimes it's a curse (here), but more often it's the stuff that brings so much we take for granted (of the free market.) at a 'steal'. [eg, eBay, internet sources, etc.]

 

When we do rebuilds I recommend just getting the tin powder coated. Lasts much longer.

 

Just thought I'd add a few pics to this thread now that I've replaced the rear tin that shields the bumper.

New tin to go in:



The very rusty old tin wrestled out of the car:



New tin in place (hard work to get it in - locating the two tabs that mate the engine carrier was the key to getting it to slot home):

 

How difficult is it to replace these two pieces? Did you do it with the engine in?

 

No problem to replace. These come out for every valve adjustment.

It's a bit fiddly to get the plug wires back through the hole. Mind which is which.