The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from April 2008

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from April 2008

Loud noise x time = hearing loss!
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Both kinds can erode your hearing over time. The loss is painless, gradual and permanent. By the time you notice you're losing your hearing, the damage is already done. Here are some telltale signs: * You have...

Cover is for wash time.(Stryker ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Without the cover, wash water gets into the engine air intake and exhaust. When that happens, you could blow the pack. So before you get that hose, grab the environmental cover and secure it in place!

Take your time on hub check.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The sight glass on each of your Stryker's wheel hubs makes it easy to check the oil level. Unless you try to do it too early. Oil levels in the wheel hubs should be checked after operation--but not until about an hour has passed. That...

Avoid the shackle crunch.(Stryker ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If the shackles are installed with the retaining nut and cotter pin facing inside, the ramp could hit them as it's lowered. To prevent the damage--and the noise--make sure the retaining nut and cotter pin are...

M1A1 AIM tank RHNB.(redesigned hull networks box )(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Use NSN 6110-01-514-7369 to order a redesigned hull networks box (RHNB) with container (NSN 8115-01-509-8851) for your M1A1 AIM tank with embedded diagnostics. The NSN listed as Item 1 in Fig 153 of TM 9-2350-264-24P-1 has the wrong supply...

Adding some RHNB info.(M1A1 AIM Tank ...)(Cartoon)
April 1, 2008... OK, I GOT THE PENCIL! NOW WHAT? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IF YOU'VE JUST RECEIVED THE NEWEST REVISION OF TB 9-2350-283-23-1 (JUN 07), M1 ABRAMS TANK CONFIGURATION MATRIX, LISTEN UP! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THERE'S SOME...

Put away the knuckle-buster!(MLRS Carrier ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, TM 9-1450-646-10 tells us to raise and lower the cab on our MLRS with the 1/2-in drive ratchet and 5-in extension from the BII. Problem is, the cab jerks and bounces a lot. With the close...

Keep tight control.(M2/M3-Series Bradleys, MLRS Carrier ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] So take control of the situation. Check for loose prop shaft bolts during semiannual services. Never reuse loose bolts 'cause they won't stay tight. Replace them with new bolts, NSN 5306-01-132-3369, and torque them...

Circuit cards causing false faults.(M2/M3-Series Bradley Fighting Vehicle ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] If you have a new A3 Bradley or A3 BFIST turret drive control unit or the A12 or A13 circuit cards have recently been replaced, you may be getting false faults. The faults are caused by A12 (PN 1298633) and A13...

Don't leave choice to chance.(M88A1 Recovery Vehicle ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, The left and right torsion bars for the M88A1 recovery vehicle are Items 28 and 29 in Fig 192 of TM 9-2350-256-24P-1. Our problem is that the TM doesn't specify which is left and which is...

More tire options added.(HMMWVs ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To meet the growing demand for HMMWV tires, TACOM LCMC has added more options to the inventory. Now users in SWA can use Goodrich Baja and Goodyear MT/R tires and tire and wheel assemblies or continue using Goodyear...

Kit corrects body mount cracks.(Up-armored HMMWVS ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That's why TACOM LCMC found a solution to this growing problem. Sustainment-level maintainers can fix your HMMWV using a repair kit and a Huck Bolt installation tool. The repair kit, NSN 2590-01-549-6438, allows...

Life-saving tips for the Hawker!(Lead-Acid Batteries ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Your Hawker Armasafe Plus (A+) batteries, NSN 6140-01-485-1472, can last for four to five years when maintained properly. But they can still become completely discharged if switches are left on or if the batteries...

Overhauled weapons do need gauging.(Small Arms ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, I couldn't disagree more with your article on Page 16 in PS 659 (Oct 07) saying that new weapons or weapons coming back from depot overhaul don't need to be gauged. You said new and overhauled...

Parts update for M68 sight.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Rubber strap, NSN 5340-01-555-6132, replaces the elastic strap, NSN 5340-01-511-2153. The new strap will work with both the old and new battery retainer and battery cap. * Battery retainer, 6160-01-527-1695,...

Shotgun breaching cartridge available.
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A 12-gauge shotgun cartridge is now available that is designed specifically to breach padlock hasps and deadbolts, knobs and hinges on wooden doors. The M1030 cartridge, NSN 1030-01475-7440, can be used with both...

Even easier lubing.(Small Arms ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, We saw the suggestion in PS 652 (Mar 07) about using a sponge soaked with CLP and a brush for big lubing jobs in the arms room. Something else that works well for big lubing jobs is a stencil...

Army does it, too!(MK19 Machine Gun ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, In the semiannual maintenance listed in the MK19's TM 9-1010-230-23&P, it says under several of the checks "Not for Army Use". Marines are required to check important components like the bolt and...

Security chain NSNs?(Small Arms ...)(national stock number)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Dear Half-Mast, In facilities not manned 24 hours a day, armorers are required to secure small arms racks and containers weighing less than 500 pounds to the floor or walls with bolts or heavy-duty chains equipped with padlocks. Do you...

IRU needs TLC.(Avenger Missile System ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] If your Avenger is equipped with the slew-to-cue configuration, that means it's also equipped with the inertial reference unit (IRU). The IRU is going to need a bit of tender, loving care if it's going to help point...

Dragon is dead! Turn it in.(Table)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dragon has fired its last missile. The Army has classified all Dragon missiles as condition code H (condemned) and wants the following Dragon equipment turned in: LIN NSN ...

The Nemesis of PM!(Cartoon)
April 1, 2008... TIME: THE FUTURE! PLACE: FORT MAGNUM! MILITARY OPERATIONS ARE UNDER THREAT BY DR. DESTROY... THE MASTERMIND WHOSE INTENT IS TO CRIPPLE THE ARMED FORCES. THESE UNIFORMS HAVE BEEN IMPROVED, MASTER SERGEANT HALF-MAST. WHAT ARE ALL THESE...

Getting ready for towing.(AH-64A/D ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Too often the quick release pin either isn't in place before towing or gets missed when preparing your bird for the tow bar. If that happens, you'll shear the tail wheel lock actuator. Then your bird is NMC. To...

Watch where you tread!(AH-64D ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Mechanics, always pay attention where your feet, rear and hands go when working on your AH-64. For example, the APU cover provides just a little protection for the auxiliary power unit (APU). But as tempting as...

Protect generators, pitots from water.(AH-64A/D ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Not taking precautions to protect your AH-64A/D from water during washing is no laughing matter. During your next aircraft washing, make sure the No. 1 and 2 generators are bagged and tied first. Water...

Slippery hinge pin.(OH-58D ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Crew chiefs, eyeball your Kiowa Warrior's tail rotor shaft cover hinge pins. Tail boom vibrations during flight will slowly work loose the pins. Loose hinge pins can slide back into the tail rotor gearbox area....

Transmission and freewheel oil filters.(OH-58D ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, inspect your Kiowa Warrior's transmission and freewheel oil system filter, NSN 4730-01-214-1465, to make sure you have the right configuration. Examine the filter unit screen hole pattern. If it...

Please part with the parts!(FLIR ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... THE ARMY'S HORIZONTAL TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION (HTI) SECOND GENERATION FLIR (SGF) SYSTEMS LETS YOU, THE WARFIGHTER--ARMOR, MECHANIZED INFANTRY AND RECONNAISSANCE FORCES--SEE THE BATTLEFIELD CLEARER THAN EVER BEFORE. BUT THAT ONLY HAPPENS IF...

AN/TAS-8A(V)1 & -(V)2 power cables.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The LRAS3 dismounted power cables, NSN 5995-01-486-5043, are in short supply and high demand. Keep track of the cables. Store them carefully and account for them right. If your cables are bad, order new ones. But if they're just missing, hunt...

Did you hear the one about ...(AN/TAS-8A(V)1 &-(V)2 LRAS3 ...)(Cartoon)
April 1, 2008... ... THE LRAS3 YOKE THAT WAS RETURNED TO CONUS FOR REPAIRS? NO. HOW DOES IT GO? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SEEMS THIS $18,000 YOKE MADE THE TRIP STATESIDE FOR REPAIR WHEN THE ONLY THING BROKEN WAS A $14 PIVOT PIN. [ILLUSTRATION...

LRAS3 news: no complete cover!(AN/TAS-8A(V)1 & -(V)2 ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Extra! Extra! Read all about it! You can no longer get a complete top cover for your long range scout surveillance system (LRAS3). Green top cover assembly, NSN 5340-01-506-8842, and tan top cover assembly, NSN...

Is the APU shocked?(MEP-903A, -B, -C ...)(auxiliary power units)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The shock mounts that support the engine and alternator on MEP-903A, -B and -C 10-KW auxiliary power units (APU) are taking a beating and not rebounding from it. The MEP-903A is used in the standard integrated...

Simulating SINCGARS.(Training ...)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, I was wondering how I can get my hands on a simulator program for loading and using the SINCGARS radios? SSG E.J.M. Dear Sergeant E.J.M., That's the kind of wondering we endorse!...

Get off on the right overshoe foot.(JSLIST ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Soldiers don't want to get off on the wrong foot when it comes to the green or black vinyl overshoes used with JSLIST. A defective overshoe could put you one foot in the grave. Just remember this: CBRN...

New battery for ICAM.(improved chemical agent monitor)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, I tried to order a BA-5800/U battery for my ICAM (improved chemical agent monitor) but NSN 6135-01-440-7774 is a terminal item. Is there a replacement for the BA-5800/U? SFC M.H. Dear...

Pouch sets to fit your mission.(Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment ...)
April 1, 2008... MODULAR IS THE KEY WORD WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE MODULAR LIGHTWEIGHT LOAD-CARRYING EQUIPMENT--THE MOLLE. THE MOLLE IS MADE UP OF REMOVABLE POUCHES AND PACKS... ... SO IT LETS YOU TAILOR YOUR LOAD TO FIT THE MISSION. [ILLUSTRATION...

A start on finding parts.(PM92-133 Lube Unit ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, Help! I'm working on a PM92-133 lube unit in the shop. We're having a problem locating the right parts to keep the lube unit running. What's a good source for parts? N.T. Dear Mr. N.T.,...

Detecting PM for your new detector.(AN/PSS-14 Mile Detector ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Packing Don't shove the -14 in its storage case. Rough handling breaks things like the cable clamps, particularly the clamp on the yoke. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Insert the battery case in the storage case...

A blast of PM.(Husky ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Tire PSI Reminder Depending on use, two types of tires are available. The "road" tire is for normal-use driving. The "overpass" tire is used to drive over pressure-fused AT devices. This tire is wider and has a...

Behind the blade.(DEUCE ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Proper lubing is required when it comes to the grease fittings in the tower area behind the excavator's blade. These fittings get covered in mud and easily overlooked during scheduled services. A lack of lube in...

Some tape will do.(Dry Support Bridge ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Several energy chains on the dry support bridge (DSB) protect the vehicle system's hydraulic hoses. Plastic links connect with one another to form each chain. They're designed to surround and flex with hydraulic...

Air cargo requires clearance.(Logistics Management ...)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] You can request air transportation for practically anything you order, but the Army Airlift Clearance Authority (AACA) will ensure that air cargo dollars are used prudently. When the source of supply (DLA,...

STAMIS deployment tip.(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Editor: Thanks for the article "Tricks to Deploying STAMIS" in PS 658. An additional note for shipment is to remove the toner cartridge from laser printers. Package the toner cartridge in a clear plastic...

Mask canister shelf life extended.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The shelf lives of the following C2A1 canister lot numbers have been extended to 30 Jun 2012: MMB01G023015 MMB02B027003 MMB02H028008 The shelf life of case lot MMB02E028004 has been extended to 30 Apr 2012. The C2A1 is...

Free battery charging equipment.(Connie's Post Scripts)
April 1, 2008... Need to charge your Hawker AGM batteries? Free issue charging equipment is available, but quantities are limited. Get more info from Rafael Casanova of the AMC Battery Management Office at CERDEC in Fort Monmouth, NJ. He's at DSN (312)...

Hinge stock NSN.(Connie's Post Scripts)
April 1, 2008... If you searched FED LOG for plastic hinge stock, NSN 9390-01-171-5986, used on the Black Hawk, and found the Army not listed as a user, don't panic! The Army is now listed as a user.

HEMTT parking brake valve update.(Connie's Post Scripts)
April 1, 2008... Your HEMTT's air brake system parking brake valve is shown as Item 1 in Fig 199 of TM 9-2320-279-24P, including Items 2, 3, and 4. That's a mistake! When you place your order, you'll only get the valve, not all other parts. So order each part...

Order BEOD gooseneck light by P/N.(Connie's Post Scripts)(explosive ordnance disposal body, product number)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... An NSN doesn't exist yet for the gooseneck light on your explosive ordnance disposal body (BEOD). But you can purchase the gooseneck light from Sunnex Inc. for $98 using part number HS747-27RIA. Get it from David Trinks at (508) 651-0009, ext....

Some SECM-HMMWV data plates wrong.(Connie's Post Scripts)(shop equipment, contact maintenance, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Some of the HMMWV data plates for the new SECMs (shop equipment, contact maintenance) are wrong. The data plates list the gross vehicle weight (GVW) as 11,500 pounds, when it should be 12,100. If your SECM HMMWV has the wrong HMMWV data plate,...

Compressed air.(Connie's Post Scripts)
April 1, 2008... Need a quick, simple way to clean dusty optics while avoiding scratches? Compressed air does the job. NSN 7930-01-398-2473 brings six 10-oz cans of compressed air.

ABS warning light sticker.(Connie's Post Scripts)(anti-lock brake system)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Use NSN 7690-01-530-5506 to get a sticker that goes under the M939-series 5-ton truck's ABS light. It carries the following warning: ABS Warning! Steady illuminated lamp indicates a malfunctioning anti-lock brake system. If...

AGSE maintenancec stand.(Connie's Post Scripts)
April 1, 2008... On page 35 of PS 662, we told you the maximum weight of the low-level stand is 500 pounds. That's correct when the stand is folded. The maximum weight goes up to 750 pounds when the stand is open. Make a note of these weight limits when using...

Static grounding cables.(Connie's Post Scripts)
April 1, 2008... If you're in need of items to make insulated static grounding cables for your bird, here are the parts you need to get the job done: NSN ITEM 4010-00-286-2681 Grounding wire, 1000-ft...

Kiowa warrior upper shroud.(Connie's Post Scripts)
April 1, 2008... In PS 646 (Sept 06), we show the upper shroud listed as NSN 1260-01-479-4629. The correct NSN for the upper shroud is NSN 1260-01-497-4629.

What maintenance AVUM can do.(Connie's Post Scripts)(aviation unit maintenance )(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... We told you on page 39 of PS 660, (Nov 07) that AVUM mechanics can do AVIM maintenance only when authorized by a LAR or an engineer who's given approval by letter. That's not correct. An AVIM shop can approve AVUM mechanics to perform AVIM...