The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from August 2007

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from August 2007

PM is the great limiter.(Comic)(Preventive Maintenance)(Cartoon)
August 1, 2007... SOLDIERING IS A ROUGH AND TUMBLE, UP AND DOWN, IN AND OUT, BELLIES IN THE SAND, BUSINESS. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLDIERS DON'T SPEND THEIR DAYS AT DAINTY TEA PARTIES LIFTING CHINA CUPS FROM PAPER DOILIES WITH A LITTLE FINGER IN THE...

No choice on dipsticks.(Stryker ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Crewmen, when it's time to check the oil level in your Stryker's transfer case, you don't have a choice on dipsticks. If you have an old-style dipstick or one that's been modified, you've got the wrong one. Using it can give you a faulty...

Services made simple.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Dear Half-Mast, I'm hoping you can settle a bit; of an argument; we're having when it; comes to performing semiannual and annual services on our tank turrets. I've always thought that you need to use all of the replacement parts that...

Get a FBCBZ crib sheet.(M1A2 SEP Tank ...)(fixed bed circulating bioreactor)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... TM 9-2350-388-10-1 gives you step-by-step instructions on how to properly start up and shut down the FBCB2 system on your M1A2 SEP tank. Some tankers don't want to go to the effort of digging through the sponson box to get the TM when it's...

Engineer trailer trouble.(M2/M3-Series Bradleys ...)
August 1, 2007... Dear Editor, Our unit recently received some M2A2 ODS-E Bradleys and discovered a problem that other Bradley-equipped engineer units may have. We have M105 trailers that are used to carry the tools and supplies For each squad. When we...

Drain before pulling.(M88A2 Recovery Vehicle ...)
August 1, 2007... Dear Editor, Mechanics who are preparing to pull the powerpack on an M88A2 recovery vehicle can save themselves a big mess with a little preparation. Before pulling the pack, they should attach a hose to the AOAP sampling valve and...

Need Oil?(15W40 engine oil)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Engine Only 15W40 This product conforms to SAE J2363 and is approved for use only in engines of tactical systems. This oil cannot be used with other components that require 15W40 oil, such as transmissions or hydraulic systems. Order a...

Don't forget the gun card!(DA Form 2408-4 ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Getting ready to store, transfer or turn in a mortar, tank or other gun system vehicle? Then you'd better follow DA Pam 750-8, The Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS) Users Manual, and include an updated hard copy of DA Form 2408-4,...

Filter elements get extended lease on life.(Petroleum Refueling Systems ...)(Cartoon)
August 1, 2007... WANT A LONGER SERVICE LIFE FOR THE PETROLEUM FILTER SEPARATOR COALESCING/FILTERING ELEMENTS USED IN YOUR PETROLEUM REFUELING SYSTEMS? WELL, HERE'S SOME GOOD NEWS! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE ARMY HAS EXTENDED THE FILTER ELEMENT...

Taking the wonder out of the wear.(M939-Series Trucks ...)
August 1, 2007... If you've noticed premature or excessive wear on the front tires of your 5-ton trucks, here's some help for you. Abnormal cupping of the front tires sometimes happens if you're not able to disengage front wheel drive. The linear valve, NSN...

Restraints keep gunners safe!(Up-Armored HMMWVs ...)
August 1, 2007... Let's face it. A soldier's job isn't the safest job. But there are things you can do to protect yourself. A big part of that is using and maintaining the safety equipment you have. Gunners, there are improved gunner's restraint systems...

Keeping crows flying.(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR FIRST DAY OF ACTION IN YOUR NEW UNIT? YES! MY LAST UNIT INCLUDED MY M2 MACHINE GUN BLOCK GUIDE, SO I'M GOOD TO GO! The XM101 common remotely operated weapon station (CROWS) can be a true lifesaver since it...

New FLIR, new procedures.(Avenger Missile System ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... The Avenger has a new forward looking infrared receiver (FLIR), NSN 5855-01-518-8691, that is more capable and durable than the previous FLIRs--and cheaper, too. Operating it is pretty much the same, except for these points: Installation....

Help for the HIMARS crane.
August 1, 2007... Dear Editor, We have discovered two things about the M1084HA1 re-supply vehicle's (RSV) crane used to load rocket pods onto the RSV and re-supply trailer For HIMARS (high mobility artillery rocket; system) that; will save headaches For...

Better deconing from the Chemical School.(M17-Series Decon ...)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2007... Dear Editor, Experience is the best; teacher and it's taught us at the U.S. Army Chemical School these tips for better deconning: * If the burner won't light, check the photocell assembly and the burner igniter plug First. If the...

Pull the plug on compensation.(BIDS ...)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2007... Dear Editor, The non-expandable shelter, NSN 5411-O1-473--5055, is being used with the biological integrated detection system (BIDS) worldwide. Because of chemical/biological agent threat, the shelters are as airtight as possible. ...

What we learned in Iraq.(Sentinel Radar System ...)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2007... Dear Editor, We gave our Sentinels a real workout; in Iraq. From our efforts to keep them radiating, we came up with these tips that will help other Sentinel crews: Keep an eye on the bolts for the cable reel's swing arm. Two bolts...

Filters don't need pantyhose.(Sentinel Radar System ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Dear Half-Mast, In Iraq we've had big trouble with the fine sand clogging the filters for our Sentinel. Once the filters clog up, we have all sorts of overheating and electrical problems. We're wondering if it would help to put...

Loads of RTCH PM.
August 1, 2007... Oodles of info for operators * Only move an ISO container with your RTCH if the tophandler is in the normal latitudinal operational (across) position. RIGHT WAY Transport an ISO container (load) in the normal operational...

The "hidden numbers" game.(UH-60 ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Mechanics, the lower pressure plate and the main rotor shall nut on a Black Hawk's main rotor head are bolted together. These bolts must be removed and installed in a particular sequence. Each bolt hole is numbered on the pressure plate and...

Aviation vibration analyzer hookup.(CH-47D ...)
August 1, 2007... Dear Sergeant Blade, The aviation vibration analyzer cord gets pinched because the nose door has to be closed on the cord. That can damage internal wires over time during testing. When we use the aviation vibration analyzer (AVA) test...

"Gloves for the asking.".(ALSE ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... THERE'S AN OLD SONG TITLE THAT GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS: "WHERE IS THE LOVE?" BUT THE AVIATION FOLKS SING A DIFFERENT SONG, "WHERE ARE THE GLOVES?" THIS SHORT LIST OF GLOVE NSNS WILL ANSWER THE QUESTION, SO KEEP IT HANDY THE NEXT TIME...

Communication ear plug and helmet shell.(HGU-56/P AIHS ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... ALSE techs, the HGU-56/P aircrew integrated helmet system (AIHS) has had its share of upgrades. The latest upgrade is a welcome one because it means you no longer have to apply the MWO kit, NSN 5965-01-488-4332, to install the...

The key's the key!(GPS ...)
August 1, 2007... Your Army-issued global positioning system (GPS) receiver, the PLGR or the DAGR, can receive--and should receive--a secure GPS signal. In order for your GPS to receive the secure signal, the receiver must be crypto-keyed. This is the job of...

Yep! It's under warranty.(DAGR ...)(Defense Advanced GPS Receiver)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... The Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR), both the AN/PSN- 13 and AN/PSN-13A, are under warranty from the manufacturer, Rockwell Collins. This is good news since over the last two years 80,000 DAGRs have been fielded! Remember to include...

The world is reset!(Generators ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... War-ravaged generators used in Iraq and Afghanistan need to be restored to good-running shape for use in the States or for redeployment. This program is called RESET. The generator RESET program is managed by the Communications-Electronics Life...

Put an end to dirty fuel.(Generators ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... The engine in your generator will run poorly--or not at all--with dirty fuel. And that's no good! A small amount of contamination is normal, but it needs to be removed just the same. If contaminants are not removed, they'll accumulate in...

New cages protect better.(Security ...)
August 1, 2007... High value asset security cages (HVASC) protect valuables and prevent theft. Use them indoors and outdoors, in garrison and in the field, in arms rooms, supply storage areas,f maintenance facilities, joint use areas and shipping containers. The...

Clean it and mean it.(Containerized Shower ...)
August 1, 2007... Operators Get Dirty * Make sure the shower stall drains are not clogged. Remove any debris to get the water draining. * Inspect the shave stand sinks for clogging. If you have to, disconnect the sinks' hoses to get a better look at the...

When do you change your work order status?
August 1, 2007... Dear Half-Mast, Some years ago, I read somewhere that you change the work order status when you determine a part; is needed to repair an NMC piece of equipment, as opposed to changing the status when the part; is actually ordered. ...

Finding the automatic disposal list.
August 1, 2007... Quite naturally you want to get rid of it ASAR You don't want to wait for the approval of the National Inventory Control Point (NICP), and chances are, you don't have to. The Army publishes the Automatic Disposal List (ADL) twice each...

Missing strap rap.
August 1, 2007... One missing strap on the earthmover can cause operations to shut down in flames. Here's a PM tip to prevent those flames. Eyeball the five hydraulic lines that are mounted directly across from the engine's exhaust manifold. Each line...

What's new with tools.
August 1, 2007... The news is good on Army tools. The Army is putting lots of effort into improving the tools Army repairers use to keep equipment ill top condition. You can help the tool folks do an even better job by giving them your tool suggestions,...

Lack of lube for M1114 tie rod can lead to failure!(Connie's Post Scripts)
August 1, 2007... If you forget to lube your M1114's tie rod ends, or if grit and sand creep in, your tie rods will wear out or fail. So remember to lube the tie rod ends regularly with GAA like TM 9-2320-387-10 tells you. Lubing keeps everything moving smoothly...

M2 poster, card, TM change.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... A poster is now available that gives the complete procedure for timing and headspacing the M2 machine gun. Your pubs clerk can order the poster with DA Poster 750-98, IDN 401181, and PIN 083874. There is also a smart card available that...

Alignment system eases work.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Mechanics, a mobile laser alignment system (MLAS), NSN 5860-01-543-4606, is available to help you with your tactical wheeled vehicles and M1000 semitrailers. The MLAS quickly identifies suspension problems and eases alignment work in the shop...

Open vents clog A/C in M1114s.(Connie's Post Scripts)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Don't leave the MC system's air vent open in your M1114 HMMWVs! When it is open--the knob is pushed in--the A/C evaporator coils get clogged with dirt, hindering your A/C's performance. You may open the vent long enough to de-fog windows, but...

HMMWV hood reinforcement kit.(Connie's Post Scripts)(high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle )(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Want relief from HMMWV hood cracking? Then the HMMWV hood reinforcement kit, NSN 2510-01-547-7220, should solve your problem. It stops cracks from developing and keeps cracks from growing in your HMMWV hood. Plus it's approved for use on all...