The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from August 2005

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from August 2005

Don't be caught unaware.(preventive maintenance, keep clean your equipment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Heads were rolling and voices were yelling because situational awareness was lost. Icons were flickering, graphics were shot and overlays were blending into underlays. Great minds were applied to the task. Hour after hour passed and still...

High-pressure water, yes or no?(M1-Series Tanks ...)
August 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, When cleaning our M1A1 tank after a field exercise, we've been told it's OK to use high-pressure water by some folks, while others say it's definitely off limits. Can you give us the real low-down? SSG P.S.J., ...

Dirty filters are a no-go.(M88A1 Recovery Vehicle ...)(air filters)
August 1, 2005... Keeping your M88A1 gulping clean, fresh air is a tough job in the desert. All that sand and dust will plug the air filter faster than you might think. That means you'll need to pull and clean the filter as often as possible. If you don't,...

Trump desert damage with PM.(Combat Vehicles ...)(preventive maintenance)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Desert environments can deal the track on your combat vehicle a deadly hand. Heat, sand, and rocks all combine to take a heavy toll--unless you're willing to play the PM trump card! Heat Air temperatures of up to 120[degrees]F are bad...

Be bolt aware!(M113A3 FOV ...)(military vehicles)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... When it comes to installing the propeller shaft and universal joints on M113A3 family vehicles, using just any old bolt can cause a lot of trouble. For instance, some mechanics have been using bolt, NSN 5305-01-216-7378. That's the bolt...

Sprung springs are a spoiler.(M109A6 Paladin ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The breechblock on your Paladin is no lightweight, crewmen. That's why it's important to have good closing springs to help you swing it shut. Once those springs wear out, you've got a much tougher job closing the breechblock. A lot of...

Another cargo cover list.(2 1/2-Ton and 5-ton FMTVs ...)
August 1, 2005... Word from the desert is that components for the FMTV's cargo cover kits are hard to come by. Keep this list of NSNs handy in the motorpool. First, here are the complete cab and cargo cover kits: Cargo Cover Kits Vehicle NSN...

Stud kit seals the deal.(M1070 HET, M1074/M1075 PLS ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... You're not talking "chump change" when it comes to buying a new air cleaner assembly for an M1070 HET or M1074 or M1075 PLS truck. Since they're not cheap, it's tough to replace an assembly just because a mounting stud is damaged or...

No convoy should be without 'em.(Tactical Vehicles ...)(rotating amber warning light )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... If you're the first or last vehicle in a convoy, you're gonna need a convoy warning light (CWL) or rotating amber warning light (RAWL) to meet the requirements of Para 2-16G of AR 385-55, Prevention of Motor Vehicle Accidents. * 5-ton...

Tailgate chain cover.(Tactical Vehicles ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Mechanics, make sure you replace a missing or torn nylon cover, NSN 4030-00-594-0475, that fits over the truck's tailgate chain. This cover, known as a guy protector, has several purposes, including sound deadening, rust prevention, and...

Getting there & back.(Deployment ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The day has finally come. You're going to the front lines of the global war on terrorism. You and your unit are ready, but will your equipment be fully mission capable when you get there? It will if you take advantage of a new Army service....

New guidelines for discarding flameless ration heaters.(Hazardous Materials ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Forget what you've learned in the past about discarding flameless ration heaters (FRH). The Environmental Protection Agency has issued new guidelines for discarding FRH. Here they are: 1. Disposal of FRH issued to soldiers: After it's...

Message in a bottle.(Troop Support ...)
August 1, 2005... In the desert, bottled water is a real convenience. But it can quickly become a toxic weapon if it falls into the wrong hands. During distribution from the bottling plant to you, the bottled water won't spend every minute under the Army's...

Attention, campers!(Tents ...)
August 1, 2005... WHEN YOU HEAD OUT TO THE WIDE OPEN SPACES, MAKE SURE YOU TAKE ALONG FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS. HERE'S A ROUNDUP OF ARMY TENTS, WITH THEIR NSNS AND THE TMS THAT SUPPORT THEM... Tent NSN TM ...

Barrel buffer inspection revised.(M2 Machine Gun ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... 1. Check that the lock depressors are securely attached to the buffer body. It's OK for the depressors to move as long as they don't move so much they interfere with the M2's functioning. If the lock depressors need to be retightened, use a...

Line out unlined barrels.(M2 Machine Gun ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Some things just won't go away--like unlined barrels for the M2 machine gun for instance. The Army hasn't bought any unlined barrels in years, but they're still out there and still causing problems. It's important for armorers to check if...

Keeping your gun in a sling.(M249 Machine Gun ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Dear Editor, The M249 machine gun has an aluminum eyelet For the carrying sling t;o connect; to on the buttstock. But the sling hook is steel, which we've Found can sometimes break the weaker eyelet. Then you have nothing to connect the...

M66 ring mount parts and info?(M249 Machine Gun ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, Where could I find a breakdown on the M66 ring mount and a cover for the mount? WO H.A. Dear Mr. H.A., Figs C-17 through C-21 in the older version of TM 9-1005-245-13&P, which covers all the ring mounts, is...

How do I get rails? And a short barrel?(M249 Machine Gun ...)
August 1, 2005... Dear Half-Mast, How do I get mounting rails for my M249 machine gun to install sights on? Also, is there an NSN for the M249 short barrel? CPT M.A. Dear Captain M.A., Both the forward rail system and the short barrel are being...

The Life of King Henry the Fifth--first draft.(preventive maintenance)(Cartoon)
August 1, 2005... ACT IV SCENE II The French Camp Sixty thousand French soldiers await the battle. Unchallenged, a shadowy figure enters the camp. He takes note of the condition of their equipment. Meanwhile, at the English encampment...

Blade pins need curing time!(UH-60-Series ...)(helicopter maintenance)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Mechanic, you know how important it is to inspect Black Hawk blade pins for proper tension and security during the 10-hr/14-day inspection. Well, it's just as important to allow enough time for the dry film lubricant to dry on those blade...

Gunner's window straps.(UH-60-Series ...)(helicopter maintenance)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Mechanics, corrosion is a big problem around the front and rear strap attachment areas of the Black Hawk's gunner's window. Corrosion begins when the cloth strap gets wet and water wicks down to the airframe. Inspect the front and rear...

Don't be in hurry.(keep radio equipment carefully)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The AH-64's radio console can't take a lickin' and keep on tickin' when big feet step on it or helmets are dropped on it. At the end of the day, take your time and exit the bird without rushing. Hurrying leads to mistakes and a tack of...

Can you see me now?(AH-64A/D ...)
August 1, 2005... When a pilot or co-pilot does pre-flights or maintenance operational checks for the laser, stay out of harm's way. That means never stand near the nose of the bird during laser testing. Lasers can damage your eyes and cause eventual...

Corrosion treatment: made easier.(All Aircraft ...)
August 1, 2005... MECHANICS, DA FORM 2410 DATA INDICATES CORROSION ON VARIOUS MAGNESIUM HOUSINGS IN AIRCRAFT. THIS IS ONE OF THE TOP COST DRIVERS FOR AIRFRAME MAINTENANCE. WHY IS THAT? A BIG REASON FOR THE CORROSION IS LEAVING OFF THE PRE-PAINT...

No launcher means no launching.(Hellfire Missile System ...)
August 1, 2005... Hellfire missile is only as good as its launcher. If the launcher's in bad shape, you're in bad shape when it comes to knocking out the enemy, since a missile that can't be launched can't do much damage. Here's how to stay out of the lurch when...

Grounding right in the desert.(electrical grounding)
August 1, 2005... SAND IS A POOR CONDUCTOR. THIS MEANS THAT GETTING A GOOD EARTH GROUND IN THE DESERT REQUIRES EXTRA TIME AND EFFORT. BUT IS IT WORTH IT? A GOOD GROUND IS A MUST TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK TO YOU AND DAMAGE TO YOUR EQUIPMENT. ...

Snagging the cables.(AN/GRC-103 Radio)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The RF cables on your AN/GRC-103 radio stick out about six inches from the radio. That puts the cables in the line of foot traffic inside your commo shelter. That means you could snag them when moving gear around. If those cables get...

RF Cable NSNs.(CG-1773B/U ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... IF YOU'RE A COMMO SOLDIER, YOU KNOW THAT A LIST OF RF CABLE SIZES IS A HANDY LIST TO HAVE. SO, HERE'S ONE TO KEEP ON HAND! RF Cable NSNs NSN Length (feet) 5995-00-823-2985 2...

Outfoxing fox problems.(Fox NBC Vehicle ...)(Amphibious military vehicles, net battery current)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Dear Editor, We have suggestions on batteries, brakes, probes and swimming that can help crews keep their Foxes on the NBC trail: Batteries The NBC battery cable tends to be stepped on and broken when crews are loading equipment...

Got corrosion?(Tactical Vehicles ...)
August 1, 2005... Rain, salt and sand are deadly culprits that lead to corrosion. Corrosion attacks Army equipment relentlessly. Its cost is staggering. Your best weapon against that corrosion is rust inhibitor. Just wipe or spray on the inhibitor every...

New aviation tool sets, toolbox wheels.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The new aviation tool sets-armament (NATS-A) have been updated and improved to form the individual aircraft armament repairman's set (IAARTS), NSN 5180-01-516-0223, and team aircraft armament repairman's set (TAARTS), NSN 5180-01-517-6129. ...

Take a PM lift.(22-Ton Crane ...)
August 1, 2005... Use the Handholds The crane's swing/auxiliary hoist control lever, known as the joystick, is no handhold for climbing into and out of the cab. The joystick is not strong enough to support your weight. A busted joystick puts your crane...

Shred your tamms pub, read your tamms pub!(The Army Maintenance System Users Manual)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... It's time to get rid of the venerable DA Pam 738-750, The Army Maintenance System (TAMMS) Users Manual. It's been replaced and renumbered as DA Pam 750-8, TAMMS Users Manual, (25 Feb 2005). Among its major changes, this key maintenance...

Sharing ideas the smart way.(Maintenance Management ...)
August 1, 2005... SOME SMART IDEAS MAKE YOU RICHER! AND SOME SMART IDEAS MAKE YOU SMARTER! INCENTIVES--CASH INCENTIVES--HAVE LONG BEEN A MOTIVATOR FOR GETTING PEOPEL TO SUBMIT BRIGHT IDEAS FOR IMPROVING ARMY SYSTEMS. THE SMART PROGRAMS IS THE...

Connie's postscripts.(military equipment regulations)
August 1, 2005... New PATS Power Supply Free There is a new power supply available that lets NBC NCOs run the M41 PATS on cheap D-cell batteries instead of expensive lithium batteries. And, temporarily, the power supply, NSN 6130-01-521-2555, is free if...