The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from April 2005

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from April 2005

What is the cost of OTS buying?(GULF TRAILER SALES)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Purchasing items outside of normal acquisition channels to meet equipment needs presents users with hidden costs. Buying off-the-shelf (OTS) equipment may meet short-term needs but increase long-term maintenance problems. When items are...

Location is everything.(HMMWV ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Mechanics, how the HMMWV's fan shroud holds up has a lot to do with how well it's installed. You can't just bolt it in place and expect it to come back in one piece. You need to properly adjust the fan shroud to ensure there's enough...

Do away with draggin' doors.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A mechanic who tries to install a new rear soft door on a HMMWV by himself has a lot in common with one-armed paper hangers. Mainly, he doesn't have enough hands to do the job right! It's nearly impossible to tighten the binges while...

Oil check done right.(FMTV ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Operators, stay on the level when it comes to an accurate check on your FMTV's transmission oil level--and use the right oil. The check must be made after operations, under the following conditions: * the transmission oil at operating...

FMTV input seal warranty.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The FMTV manufacturer, Stewart & Stevenson, has extended the warranty for the intermediate input seal on all 5-ton FMTV vehicles with serial numbers 11438 thru 20216. For the lowdown on the extended warranty, have your local warranty...

Replace worn strap.(FMTV ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Desert conditions have turned the original troop seat stowage straps on some FMTVs into rags. If the straps on your trucks show signs of brittleness, cuts, tears or shredding, don't go looking for the replacement information in your...

Battery box liner.(FMTV ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Battery box liner works finer than anything else for absorbing battery acid in your vehicle's battery box. The liner not only absorbs battery acid, but neutralizes it as well. Get a roll of 1/4-in thick liner with NSN 6160-01-389-t966...

Air and water don't mix.(FMTV ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... If you forget, moisture builds up. It creates corrosion that plugs up the entire air system, including brake valves and cylinders, CTIS filters, and gladhands. It can also lead to brake failure. So drain the water from each air tank at the...

Block bottle blowups.(HEMTT ...)(windshield washer bottles)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... There are two reasons why those floor-mounted windshield washer bottles blow their tops. 1. You could be using a control valve other than NSN 4820-01-161-0200. 2. You could have the hoses connected wrong. Either way, there's too...

Dust cap NSNs.(Wheeled Vehicles, Trailers ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A dust cap that's missing from an air brake chamber is an open door for sand, sand and more sand. Shut the door by making sure all brake chambers on your air brake-equipped trucks and trailers have dust caps. Keep this list handy for...

Inspect MRS twice a year.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... When was the last time you checked the tritium-powered muzzle reference sensor (MRS) on that tank, mechanic? If you didn't do it during the last semiannual PMCS, it's been too long. Here's what to do: Look through the inspection...

Find the range to safety.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Both during operation and after, gunners should always be thinking safety. So if your tank is equipped with a non-eye safe laser, NSN 1240-01-149-8302 or 1240-01-357-5085, remember these two very important details. 1. Always install the...

Get loose locknuts replaced.(M2/M3-Series Bradleys ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Traveling over Iraq's rocky and sandy terrain is rough on your Bradley, crewmen. It's especially tough on roadwheel locknuts. The constant pounding and vibration loosens the locknuts. Just one loose locknut puts pressure on the surrounding...

Put a damper on M242 damper problems.(M2/M3-Series Bradley ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dear Editor, To add damper fluid to the Bradley's M242 gun's recoil system, TM 9-1005-200-23&P says to push on the spring-loaded damper rod with a brazing or welding rod. That's difficult because the rod doesn't have a handle to hold onto....

Checking valves brings relief.(M88A1 Recovery Vehicle ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... When was the last time you checked the roadwheel hub relief valves on your M88A1 recovery vehicle, mechanics? Take a look now, especially if you've done any recovery work recently. Vibration can loosen the valves until they fall out. Bushes...

Clamp down on loose hose.(M109A6 Paladin, M992A2 Ammo Carrier ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dirty air is an engine killer for your Paladin and ammo carrier. That's why you crewmen need to keep a close eye on the engine's air duct hose, NSN 4720-00-999-8589. Vibration can loosen the clamp, NSN 4730-00-908-6294, that attaches the...

Adjusting valve needs adjusting.(M119-Series Towed Howitzers ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... There's been a disturbing trend found on the M119-series howitzers coming in for rebuild and repair. Many of the howitzers are arriving with the calibrated flow valve open all the way (approximately 20-21 clicks). A completely open valve...

On the road again.(Patriot Missile System ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Carefully fold up the shroud. If you don't fold it properly, its buckles can puncture the shell of the radar, which can let water get at the expensive electronics inside. It's best to have three soldiers doing the job--two folding the shroud...

Hand station broken?(Avenger Missile System ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dear Editor, Every Avenger unit has trouble with soldiers stepping on the hand station when they climb in or out of the turret. That breaks the rivets that hold the station's bracket to the turret. According to TM 9-1440-433-24P, the...

How worn is too worn?(M2 Machine Gun ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, PMCS Item 15 on Page 0010 00-27 in the M2 machine gun's TM 9-1005-213-23&P says that if the upper part; of the slot For the MIO manual charger is worry, the M2 is riot mission capable. We see lots of M2s that; have slight;...

You-yes, you-watch UOC.(M16-Series Rifle, M4/M4A1 Carbine ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dear Editor, In my work in Southwest Asia, I've run across armorers ordering the wrong parts for their M16s or M4s. I don't think they're paying attention to the UOCs. Can you remind them? Bill Schwarz LOGSA contractor ...

Stop short circuiting short.(M68 Reflex Sight ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... If the battery isn't installed correctly in your M16 rifle or M4 carbine's M68 reflex sight, you can short circuit the sight. And that short circuits your own sighting. So here's what you need to do when you install the battery: *...

Which side is up?(M249 Machine Gun ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, The M249 machine gun's TM 9-1005-201-10 on Page 3-61 says to install the transfer mechanism with the headed end of the vertical pin up. I have trouble telling which is the headed end. One side of the mechanism has a pin...

A helping hand.(D7G Tractors ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... These dozers are getting a constant workout in the big sandbox. That means clean air is needed (and lots of it) so the vehicles engine can run smoothly. Clean air means clean filters. That's where you come in with a helping hand and keen eye....

Circle drive jitters.(130G Grader ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Driveshaft Lube Three grease fittings on the hydraulic pump's driveshaft sire overlooked during scheduled services. Without lube, the U-joints on the pump's driveshaft shake loose from vibration and excessive wear. Also, the shaft's...

Jimmy of the jungle.(Brief Article)(Cartoon)
April 1, 2005... THE NATION OF BOTANA IN DEEPEST AFRICA... SOMEONE IN TROUBLE! JIMMY OF JUNGLE MUST HELP! ARE YOU ALL RIGHT? ME OK. MUST GO NOW. HELP GIRL IN TROUBLE. OH... THAT WAS ME! THERE WAS THE HUGE LION... BUT... THAT LOUD CRASH...

Tail rotor pitch beam.(HH-60L/UH60A/L ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dear Sergeant Blade, When mechanics remove the tail rotor pitch beam following Para 5-4-41 of TM 1-1520-237-23-3, they have a tough time not damaging the dust plug and the threads on the shaft, even when they use tape to protect the...

Don't go overloaded on grease.(HH-60L/UH-60A/L ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Mechanics, when it's time to service the Black Hawk swashplate at 500 hours/12 months, ease up on the grease. Too much grease or too frequent lubrication won't improve your bird's performance. Lubricate the swashplate like it says in...

Water pressure.(CH-47D ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Mechanics, let's say it's washing time again for your Chinook. You want to get it as clean as possible so you turn up the water pressure a notch. Don't! When washing the FWD and AFT combining transmission oil cooler on or off the bird,...

More battery choices.(AN/PRC-148 MBITR ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The AN/PRC-148 multiband inter/intra team radio (MBITR) is a solid workhorse when your mission is in an urban environment. Now the workhorse has a few more power options. First, you can recharge the lithium-ion rechargeable battery that...

Keeping the PLGR in place.(AN/PSN-11 ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dear MSG HalF-Mast, I am looking for an NSN for a locking bracket or bar that I can use to secure the PLGR in its vehicle mount. SSG R.T. Dear Sergeant R. T., There is no official locking bracket or bar in the supply system to...

Give it an easy ride.(Commo Equipment ...)(Brief Article)(Cartoon)
April 1, 2005... IF YOU'RE A SOLDIER, YOU'RE ON THE MOVE. IF YOU'RE A PIECE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT, YOU'RE MOVING RIGHT ALONG WITH THE TROOPS. IF YOU'RE A PICE OF SENSITIVE COMMO OT ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE THAT MOVE AS CUSHIONED AS...

Have I got a deal for you!(Preformed Packing ...)(Brief Article)(Cartoon)
April 1, 2005... GEE, I WONDER WHAT'S ON TV TONIGHT? P-S-S-ST... P-S-S-ST... HEY, HEY, COMMON BUDDY. WHO? ME? COME HERE. I GOT SOMTHING TO TELL YA', BUT YOU DIDN'T HEAR IT FROM ME. GOT IT? COPY DOWN THIS NUMBER: NSN 5330-00-966-8657. WITH...

Are you making these grounding mistakes?(Mobile Subscriber Equipment ...)
April 1, 2005... Not using the right type of grounding strap. The ground strap must be as large as possible--at least 6 AWG. A flat-surface strap is much better than a round one since there is more surface area and current passes over the surface and not...

Keep NBC fan fanning.(Shelters ...)(NBC centrifugal fan)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dear Editor, The NBC centrifugal fan, NSN 4140-01-23H-8170, that's used on many shelters doesn't have much protection from the elements. It has no gaskets or seals to seal out dust and moisture. Operating in the desert, the fan can quickly...

M17-series decon, M12A1 decon ...(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The 65-gpm pump used with the M17 and M12 decons is the little helper that generally does its job without much attention from you. But if it stops pumping, you soon stop deconning. Here are some secrets for keeping the pump pumped up. In...

No more annual wipe test.(CAM, ICAM ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... There is one fewer thing to worry about when it comes to your chemical agent monitors (CAM) and improved chemical agent monitors (ICAM). The annual wipe test for radiation leaks is no longer required. The only time direct support needs to...

Turn in DS2.(CAM, ICAM ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The Army is no longer going to decon with DS2, the decontaminant used with the M11 and Ml3 decon systems. All chemical companies and NBC NCOs need to turn in any of their stocks of DS2. The DS2 NSNs affected are 4230-01-133-4124 (M13 DAP),...

ID the HAZMAT.(Hazardous Materials ...)
April 1, 2005... Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) need to be properly identified. It's the law, Problem is, HAZMAT labels, signs and placards no longer carry NSNs. That's why you need to get acquainted with a commercial manufacturer. One recommended manufacturer is...

MSDS for storage cabinets.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... It's most likely you keep a master file of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials (HAZMAT) in your shop. But have you ever considered creating separate files of MSDS for the contents of your flammable storage cabinets?...

Safety sheets online.(Material Safety Data Sheets ...)(http://www.lhbindustries.com)(Lighthouse for the Blind Industries)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... If you're ordering products from Lighthouse for the Blind Industries, you can get material safety data sheets (MSDS) from their website. To access their home page, go to http://www.lhbindustries.com You're not required to enter a login ID...

Lock program for security.(Locks ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... YOU NEVER KNOW WHO'S LURKING IN THE SHADOWS WATCHING, WAITING PATIENTLY FOR AN UNGUARDED MOMENT. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO'S THE THIEF SCHEMING TO STEAL SOMETHING OF VALUE. THAT'S WHY YOU NEED TO PUT SOME THINGS UNDER LOCK AND KEY, THINGS...

Take off the pressure.(MK-155 MICLIC ...)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... In most engineer units, MICLICs spend much of the year sitting. If they're sitting and ignored by you, the MICLICS are not going to be ready to clear any mines when it comes time for action. Use this PM when your MICLICs are going to sit a...

Get a pubs list for your equipment.(Publications ...)(Logistics Support Activity)(Equipment Oriented Publications Data Base)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Putting together a publications list for all your unit's equipment could take you days, even weeks. But the Logistics Support Activity (LOGSA) can do the work for you much quicker. The Equipment Oriented Publications Data Base (EOPDB) gives...