The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly articles from February 2009

The PS Preventive Maintenance Monthly archives from February 2009

Better safe than sorry!
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When dealing with ammunition or explosives, it's much better to be very safe or you could end up very sorry. A case in point with the M260/M261 rocket launcher: A helicopter crew in Iraq had replaced the right...

Pick your road carefully.(Stryker ...)(Cartoon)
February 1, 2009... THE STRYKER HAS A HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE, DRIVERS. BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN DRIVE WILLY-NILLY OVER ANYTHING YOU WANT WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES. IN FACT, IF YOU TRY TO DRIVE OVER ROCKS, BUSHES, STUMPS OR OTHER OBSTACLES THAT ARE TALLER...

Housecleaning keeps seal in shape.(M1-Series Tanks ...)(Cartoon)
February 1, 2009... YO! HOW 'BOUT CHECKING MY COMMANDER'S HATCH SEAL WHILE YOU'RE UP THERE! CHECKING THE COMMANDER'S HATCH SEAL AFTER EVERY OPERATION IS AN EASY JOB, TANKERS. You know to look for tears, rips, cuts and separation. You even know to check...

Traveling miles with PM.(M2/M3-Series Bradley ...)(preventive maintenance)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] First of all, there's the center periscope. It must be removed to train with MILES. But when you're through training, you have to reinstall it and that's often the problem. Crews misplace...

Look for M242 track O-rings.(M2/M3-Series Bradley ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Dear Editor, The track on the Bradley's M242 automatic gun has rubber O-rings for the track sprockets. These O-rings act to hold the track sprocket shafts in place by fitting into a detent in the track sprocket shaft. Over time, the...

Timely track tips.(M88-Series Recovery Vehicles ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IN ORDER TO TAKE CARE OF THE T107 TRACK ON YOUR M88-SERIES RECOVERY VEHICLE, YOU'LL NEED TO KNOW WHEN IT'S WORN ENOUGH TO NEED REPLACEMENT. FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES... Pad Height...

Ram screws are at stake.(M109A6 Paladin ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The ram is held in place with two screws. The constant stress of closing the breech, especially during live fire, can loosen the screws and allow the ram to break or fall off. That's why it's important to make sure...

Charge ahead on batteries.(M777A1/A2 Towed Howitzer ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The M777 howitzer operates on a 24-volt system with two 12-volt batteries. Those batteries are crucial to the operation of the howitzer. Unfortunately, howitzers can spend many days sitting in the motorpool...

Underbody NMC criteria update.(M1151A1, M1152A1 and M1165A1 HMMWVs ...)(AM General Hummer)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Dear Half-Mast, I've heard that the underbody NMC criteria for M1151A1, M1152A1 and M1165A1 HMMWVs has changed. Can you tell me what those changes are? SFC M.U.V. Dear Sergeant M.U.V., Can do! Item 44g in Table 2-2 of TM...

New 24-bolt wheel / rim assembly.(HMMWVs ...)(high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WANT A MORE RELIABLE WHEEL/RIM ASSEMBLY FOR YOUR HMMWVS? THEN GET THE NEW 24-BOLT OPTION, NSN 2530-01-561-7699. TACOM MAM 08-019 TELLS YOU ALL ABOUT IT. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THAT MAINTENANCE ADVISORY...

Fix for faulty flashing.(FMTV ...)(family of medium tactical vehicles)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FMTV trucks with serial numbers 100,001 to 115,482 need a new K-10 relay. That's because these newer production 2 1/2- and 5-ton FMTV trucks equipped with LED service light switches have a problem with unexpected...

Access cover saves you in the end.(FMTV ...)(family of medium tactical vehicles)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, Recently, a SMART suggestion was approved that can save Uncle Sam thousands of dollars. It prevents accidental and unnecessary air spring deflation on your FMTV truck. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Circuit breaker check.(M1142 Tactical Fire Fighting Truck ...)(Cartoon)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Lower the rear platform assembly and open the rear compartment doors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Take a close look at the circuit breaker where it's mounted on the left door's stay rod bracket. ...

Cool off cook offs.(M249 Machine Gun ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO COOL OFF M249 COOK OFFS! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] M249 machine gunners have reported a rash of cook offs recently. A cook off occurs when a round fires because of a hot barrel and not because the trigger was pulled....

The final cleaning step.(Small Arms ...)(M16)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Dear Editor, I thought your article in PS 668 (July 08) on cleaning the M16 rifle was very good, but I believe there is one final step that should be mentioned. The last thing you should do when cleaning the bore of the M16 or any of...

Sighting bad sights.(M249 Machine Gun ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some defective M249 machine gun rear sights have gotten into the field. Because the sight elevation knobs were installed wrong, you can't zero the sights beyond 300 meters. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's easy...

Sure sear safety.(M240-Series Machine Gun ...)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's easy enough to tell if the sear is still up to the job. After clearing your M240, move the safety to F (fire) and pull the cocking handle completely to the rear to lock back the bolt. Then return the cocking...

Tick, tick, tick--you've got a battery problem!(Javelin Missile System ...)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This ticking can occur with both the BA-5590 (primary live-fire battery for the M98A1 and M98A2) and BA-5390 (alternate live-fire battery for the M98A2) and the rechargeable BB-390A and...

Passing the trigger test.(MITAS ...)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, The grip trigger test is a part of the PMCS for the MITAS (modified improved target acquisition system) on the Stryker. But MITAS often flunks the test because operators...

Words for the wise.(MITAS ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The BPS is often forgotten during shutdown because it sits out-of-sight on the floor. Then when you get ready to operate next time, the BPS is still on and it doesn't get a chance to cycle...

A day of leave with PM Steve!(Cartoon)
February 1, 2009... WHERE'RE YOU HEADED, PM STEVE? I'M GOING HOME ON LEAVE. MAKE SURE NO ONE SLACKS UP ON PM WHILE I'M GONE. I DON'T WANT ALL MY HARD WORK TO GO DOWN THE TUBES! NO PROBLEM, PM STEVE. WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK! HOURS LATER, PM STEVE...

The feet cause defeat.(UH-60/AH-64 ...)(military helicopters)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, one sure way to put the engine on your Black Hawk or AH-64 on the NMC list is putting your feet where they don't belong! Your aircraft have work platforms for standing and step areas for your feet, so...

Hold up the light.(AH-64D ...)(Apache helicopter)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Sergeant Blade, The searchlight underneath the nose of the AH-64D is a delicate piece of equipment. When it's time to replace the light, we have three options: 1. After disconnecting the light, let it...

Pitot static test set problems.(Ground Support ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mechanics, the pitot static test set, NSN 4920-01-388-6790, shouldn't be turned in for repair for any old reason. Too many test sets are being unnecessarily turned in for leakage problems. But the real problem is...

When too hot is not cool!(Commo Batteries ...)(battery use)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] How do new commo batteries get baked? Well, sometimes it happens in transit. The supply train between you and the manufacturer might be a long one. And that train may make a stop or two in some very hot areas....

Fight the kink! Resist the shove.(AN/TSC-85, 93 ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Editor, The AN/TSC-85 and -93 satellite communications terminals have at least one rack that has the AM-6701/TSC high power amplifier (HPA) and the PP-8530/TSC high voltage power supply (HVPS). After doing...

Ammunition for the commo fight.
February 1, 2009... KEEPING YOUR COMMO EQUIPMENT DOING ITS COMMUNICATION JOB CAN BE A BATTLE. THE ENEMIES IN THE FIGHT ARE THE ELEMENTS IN THE AIR AND THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE GROUND. HERE ARE A FEW WEAPONS THAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR ARSENAL... ...

SINCGARS installation kits stay put!(Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Once a SINCGARS installation kit is installed in a vehicle, it stays with the vehicle. Too many are being removed prior to deployment or before a vehicle is sent to RESET and this has created a critical shortage....

Are they grounded good?(Generators ...)
February 1, 2009... HERE ARE THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER A GROUND IS GOOD OR NOT... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Start with the Strap The ideal ground strap is .at, braided copper, 3/4 of an inch to an inch wide, of 6 AWG or better. It is...

A bid for bids PM.(preventive maintenance)(joint biological point detection system )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JBPDS Vial stuff--To install the sample vials for the fluid transfer system, you must gently rotate them into place. If you jam them straight up into position, the needles for the vials are bent. Then you can't...

Evaporator tank PM.(SEE ...)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KEEP THESE PM TIPS IN MIND WHEN IT COMES TO THE EVAPORATOR RESERVOIR TANK (BOTTLE) FOR THE EXCAVATOR'S COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM ANTIFREEZE UNIT. Alcohol Only Some of these vehicles have ANTIFREEZE stenciled on...

Air filter PM reminders.(IHMEE ...)
February 1, 2009... ENGINEER BATTALIONS IN SOUTHWEST ASIA (SWA) ARE GIVING THE INTERIM HIGH MOBILITY ENGINEER EXCAVATORS (IHMEE) A REAL RUN FOR THEIR MONEY. THEY'RE MOVING, DUMPING AND EXCAVATING DIRT AND SAND IN THE WORST POSSIBLE CONDITIONS. ...

How much rubber is enough.(DEUCE ...)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With vehicles racking up more and more hours of use, the question comes down to this: How much rubber is enough? According to the PMCS check on Page A-4 of TM 5-2430-200-10, the mid-rollers need 50 percent of...

Change brake filter.(RTCH ...)(rough terrain container handler)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The brakes are hydraulically powered, so the brake system acts up when the hydraulic fluid is low. A clogged front or rear brake cooling filter will also cause problems. A clogged filter starves the...

Stuck lever linkage reminder.(D7G Tractor ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To prevent these problems, wipe off the throttle linkage with a brush or clean rag. Then spray pivot points and connections with a shot of lubricating spray, NSN...

Use hydraulic unloading valve in the cold.(130G Road Grader ...)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When you depress the valve, you're letting the vehicle's hydraulic pump spin free with no pressure, which reduces the load on the engine starter. This procedure saves a lot of wear and tear on the starter and pump...

Glad tidings for gladhands.(Containerized Kitchen ...)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hoses Sun, rain, heat and cold all take a toll on the hoses. Insulation dries out and cracks. Another culprit is rough handling; it causes major wear and tear. Either way, air leaks...

Desiccants: the dry facts.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A DESICCANT IS A DRYING AGENT. A FEW WELL-PLACED BAGS CAN SUCK UP MOISTURE LURKING AROUND YOUR EQUIPMENT. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HERE ARE JUST A FEW USES FOR DESICCANTS... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Storing fuel cans!(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Half-Mast, What's the correct way to store empty JP-8 fuel cans when they're not mounted on vehicles? MSG D.S. Dear Master Sergeant D.S., If the fuel cans are empty and have never had any fuel...

Connie's post scripts.(tracking corrosion-related maintenance)
February 1, 2009... Tracking Corrosion-Related Maintenance In an effort to reduce the annual cost of corrosion in Army vehicles, make sure you write "170 Corroded" in the failure block of DA Form 2407 or DA Form 5990-E. This specific code helps the Army track...