The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from December 2007

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from December 2007

Pay attention now ... or pay later!(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Here's a problem that's bad and getting worse: neglect of PM checks and services that's causing escalating repair bills. Much of the equipment deploying back from Southwest Asia is being processed directly to...

Are there service kit NSNs?(Stryker ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, I need some help getting service kits for my Stryker. But; I haven't been aisle to find the NSNs. Can you help? SSG J.R.W. Dear Sergeant J.R.W., Unfortunately, no NSNs have been assigned...

The ring bling thing.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Truth is, if you don't take precautions, even the most routine tasks can be safety hazards. So before operating or performing any maintenance on your tank, make sure you first remove all jewelry, including watches,...

Tips for a track tension tuneup.(M2/M3-Series Bradley, MLRS ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Track that's too tight wears out sprockets before their time and can blow track tensioner seals. Track that's too loose gets thrown. Keep track tension just right by checking it after every operation. All it...

Getting performance from pulleys and belts.(MLRS ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Pulleys The V-belt passes over the pulleys at high speed. That builds up a lot of friction between the belt and the pulley grooves. So take a close look at the sides of the grooves on each pulley. If the grooves...

Lock out suspension problems.(M88A1/A2 Recovery Vehicles ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's sometimes hard to tell the difference between light and heavy loads for your M88A1/A2 recovery vehicle, crewmen. Yet it's a distinction that can mean the difference between an easy lilt and suspension damage....

Travel lock needs linings.(M109-Series SP Howitzers ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, missing or worn-out travel lock friction linings will do a lot of damage to your howitzer's cannon tube. So check the linings and replace them if necessary. After all, linings are easier and cheaper to...

Ending the Dexron VI confusion.(Tactical Vehicles ...)(Table)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On Page 61 of PS 656 (Jul 07), we told Stryker crewmen and mechanics to avoid using Dexron VI in their 3000-, 4000-, AT-, MT-, HT-, and CLT-series Allison transmissions. That's caused a little confusion among...

New tires help hold AOA load.(M915-Series Trucks ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Editor, A new tire is available for all M915A3 trucks. This Michelin tire, NSN 2610-01-465-5823, is designed to carry the load of Add-on-Armor (AoA). All new M915A3 trucks will come with this tire. But...

That's because there's a new A/C flush kit!(M1114 HMMWVs ...)(Table)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Editor, I read your article on the M1114's new flushing procedures on pages 10-11 of PS 655 (Jun 07). There's been a change to that information that your readers should know about. We now have a different...

Front blower motor parts.(M1114 HMMWVs ...)(Table)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Order by part number to get the blower motor housing. Fill out a DD Form 1348-6 and use CAGE code 6W728. Then send the form to esoc@dscc.dla. mil or contact DLA-Columbus' Richard Fuller at DSN 850-1038 or...

Eye on tire PSI.(M871R/A1R/A2R ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Before the rig is hooked up and heads out of the motorpool, you mechanics have to make sure "115 PSI" is stenciled on the side rafts. It's a quick and visual reminder of the tire pressure for drivers. ...

Use replacement tie-down assembly.(M871/M871A1/M871A2 Semitrailers ...)(Table)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] You'll have to drill a new hole to make room for the bigger D-ring, though. Then replace the tie-down assembly like it says in TM 9-2330-335-14&P or TM 9-2330-386-14&P. The -386-14&P shows a nut and lockwasher as...

Armor kit may prevent escape.(M915 FOV ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... When there's danger, you don't want anything preventing you from getting to safety. So if your unit has M915 models M915A2P1, M915A3P1, M915A4P1, M916A1P1, M916A2P1, or M916A3P1 with Simula add-on armor (AoA) kits, keep reading. ...

Annual service kit NSNs.(Tactical Vehicles ...)(Table)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Vehicle System NSN 4910-01-521-9978 7M1074/M1075 PLS 4910-01-521-9985(semi-annual) M1000 HET 4910-01-523-1410...

AN/PEQ-15 is new target pointer.(Small Arms ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * AN/PAQ-4A, NSN 5855-01-312-5160 * AN/PAQ-4B, NSN 5855-01-361-1362 * AN/PAQ-4C, NSN 5855-01-398-4315 * AN/PEQ-2A, NSN 5855-01-447-8992 * AN/PEQ-2B, NSN 5855-01-515-6904 * AN/PEQ-2C, NSN...

M9 pistol laser pointer.(Small Arms ...)
December 1, 2007... Good news for MPs. The Army now has an approved integrated laser white light pointer for the M9 pistol. Order the AN/PEQ-14 with NSN 5855-01-538-0191.

RESET help for small arms.(Small Arms ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If your unit is returning from SWA, your small arms need lots of attention after what they've been through. As part of the RESET program, the small arms readiness evaluation team (SARET) is standing by to help....

Bad pintle, better swivel.(M249 Machine Gun ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Do not use the M60 pintle to mount the M249 if you can avoid it. Even though WP 0009-00-1 in TM 9-1005-245-13&P, the machine gun mount TM, says that's OK, it's not preferred. The M60 pintle can damage the M249...

High five HIMARS with PM.(High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, preventive maintenance )(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Exercise, exercise, exercise. The best thing you can do for your HIMARS is to exercise the whole system every week. If you don't, moving parts like the limit switches and rollers stop moving and start sticking. Then...

When the temp drops.(RTCH ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Starter Reminder It's a fact that many engine starters end up at support for service and repair, especially during cold weather. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] So remember, all it takes is one itchy finger stuck...

Where the boot lies.(SEE ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Almost sounds like the title of a gaudy daytime soap opera... but hardly. If your left boot rests on the SEE's clutch while driving, every bump engages and disengages the vehicle's clutch--causing it to wear...

Stow in the know.(SEE ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Easy does it when you stow the excavator's outriggers and backhoe. Slow down and use some TLC when you retract the vehicle's outriggers before leaving the worksite. Banging the vehicle's cylinder rod with the outrigger causes damage--like...

Half-Mast's PM fairy tales.(Cartoon)
December 1, 2007... IT'S GETTING LATE, KIDDO. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHICH PM FAIRY TALE WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR TONIGHT? THIS ONE LOOKS GOOD, UNCLE HALF-MAST! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... CONNIELOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS! [ILLUSTRATION...

Evironmental control system needs air!(AH-64D ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pilots and gunners, while the temperature outside is out of your control, you can control the temperature inside the AH-64 cockpit. Piling trash and other items that block the environmental control system (ECS)...

Close the latches.(AH-64A/D ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Mechanics, when your AH-64 engine platform door is open for engine maintenance, you can be set up for a harmful head gash. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Let's get straight to the point: Close the hitches on the...

Co-pilot seat maintenance.(AH-64D ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, when removing the co-pilot crew station seat from the AH-64, be careful. Otherwise the seat can damage other components. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Paying attention to detail is the way to go when...

Easy screw removal.(Aircraft Blades ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, are you frustrated trying to remove blade tip caps with a screwdriver? After a painful workout, all you'll get is knuckle damage, stripped screw threads, destroyed screwdriver heads, and a gouged tip...

Solar shields are coming.(TUAS ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shadow units, keep your eyes peeled. The AMCOM PEOAVN is working a plan to field solar shields to protect the wings of your Shadow 200 RQ-7B Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) from the blazing sun. If...

Turn 20 into 21.(25-Outlet Light Set ...)(Table)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Components NSN Qty Lampholder adapter, cross shape 5935-00-494-0690 6 Connector adapter, double cross shape 6150-00-549-5409 6 Connector adapter,...

15-KW light set lamp.(25-Outlet Light Set ...)
December 1, 2007... On all your "important NSNs" lists scratch out NSN 6240-00-143-3124 for the incandescent lamp used in the 15-KW light set, NSN 6230-00-299-7080. That lamp is gone. Add to your "important NSNs" lists NSN 6240-01-157-5114 for a new incandescent...

It's all about the parts!(AN/TAS-8(V)1 & -(V)2 LRAS3 ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, I'm a supply manager for the long range advanced scout surveillance system (LRAS3) infrared night vision sight (AN/TAS-8) and we've got parts problems! The LRAS3 is taking a beating in Iraq and...

A converter to get from 24 to 12.(Power Supply Adapter ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] If you find the recommended DAGR external power cable NSN 6150-01-521-6755 is out-of-stock, you can still safely get vehicle power to your DAGR using the converter. Use the DAGR cigarette lighter, NSN...

Install them right! Then leave them alone!(AN/VIC-3 VIS ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] These problems are serious enough that C-E LCMC has issued a ground precautionary action safety message, GPAM 07-006, to make sure all intercom users are informed of the problems. See your C-E LCMC LAR for a copy of...

Stay cool, avoid shocks.(AN/TPQ-37, AT/TPQ-36 Firefinder Radar Systems ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Stay Cool The AN/TPQ-37's transmitter cooler is very particular about what you put in it. If you don't use purified glycol, NSN 6810-00-006-4205, and distilled water, NSN 6810-00-682-6867, in the cooler, you...

Start like this.(Fox CBRN Vehicle ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Let the hydraulic pressure build up before you hit the START button. Otherwise, you can blow seals for the steering gear, the auxiliary motor, and the winch motor. After you turn the key from 0 to 1, wait 20 seconds...

Outfox Problems with PM.(preventive maintenance)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fluid Facts Unlike most Army vehicles, the Fox does not use synthetic brake fluid. The only brake fluid for the Fox is H515 "cherry juice". If you use anything else, it damages the seals for the brake system....

You'll feel more secure.(GSA Approved Security Containers ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Currently, there are two classes of containers being manufactured: Class 5 and Class 6. Use Class 5 containers to store weapons, funds and jewels. Also use them to store classified documents, components, materials...

Drain out the water.(Reverse Osmosis Module ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Make sure you drain all water from the reverse osmosis (RO) module before the temperature drops below freezing. Water that freezes in the RO module will ruin the system's titanium pressure vessels. Then operations...

Free bell housing guards.(350-GPM Fuel Pump ...)
December 1, 2007... Mechanics, keep fuel pump operations safe with screen guards that enclose the open areas of the pump assembly's engine bell housing. Each of the guards (left and right) keeps tools, spare parts and fingers from getting inside the housing...

New airduct tubing.(350-GPM Fuel, Water Pumps ...)
December 1, 2007... Use NSN 4720-01-549-7226 to get an 18-in piece of airduct tubing that replaces the elbow shown as Item 3 in Fig 4 of TM 10-4320-226-24P and TM 10-4320-343-24P. The new tubing has a 3-in diameter opening that attaches to the pump's air...

Getting materials for drivers training.(Training ...)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dear Connie, I need training aids For drivers training. Anything you can provide in the way of videos, tapes, DVDs, or PowerPoint slide shows would be great. MSG J.G. Dear Master Sergeant J. G., ...

Driving trainers get toolbox.(Training ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Materials for training Army drivers have been available on the Army Transportation School's website for a long time. Now, the Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC) website offers the Driver's Training Toolbox,...